Lagos: Online streaming platform, Spotify, has announced Nigerian artiste, Brazy, as its EQUAL Africa Artiste for April. The EQUAL Africa programme celebrates women who are changing the game and making space for themselves in the music industry. Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, disclosed this on Tuesday in Lagos.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Okumu stated that Brazy represents the kind of talent EQUAL was created for. ‘She’s fearless, creative and uniquely herself. We’re excited to support her journey and introduce her to an even wider audience. The EQUAL Africa programme spotlights women in music, providing a platform for them to share their talents and stories.
Brazy’s breakout track, ‘Attends’, launched her career. Her genre-bending style and honest storytelling are reshaping Nigerian music. As part of her EQUAL Africa feature, Brazy will be showcased on Spotify’s flagship EQUAL playlist and receive support across the platform,’ Okumu said.
On her part, Brazy expressed her gratitude and determination, stating, ‘I can, and everyone else can too. Music wasn’t a part of the original plan, but when the opportunity presented itself, I took it. I didn’t overthink it. I just gave it my best shot. Women deserve to be in every room, and I’m so happy to have a platform to speak up about it. Being part of the EQUAL programme reaffirms that I’m on the right path.’
To aspiring artists, Brazy advises, ‘Don’t dread following your dreams. You can do it, I promise. Just give it a shot, not just any kind of shot, but your best shot.’ Brazy’s music is a distinctive blend of Afrobeats, R and B, and soul, reflecting her diverse influences.
Growing up in Lagos, Brazy was surrounded by music, from singing in church, to the energy of street festivals. She grew up listening to MoHits Records and Wizkid’s ‘Superstar’ album, which were the soundtrack to her formative years. She describes her sound as ‘AfroSexy,’ a blend of genres with a global sound.