Maandy becomes Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artiste for May

By Taiye Olayemi

Spotify, a global online streaming platform has announced Kenyan Artiste, Maandy as its EQUAL Africa artiste for the month of May.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, in Lagos.

Okumu noted that EQUAL Africa spotlighted and amplified the voices of African female artistes to enable them break down barriers and make waves in music.

” Maandy joins other Kenyan musical titans such as Muthoni DQ, Nikita Kering’ and Xeniah Manasseh who have also been Spotify EQUAL ambassadors in the past.

” In addition, it amplifies their music by exposing their catalogue to global listenership.

” At Spotify, we feel privileged to be able to support and usher in the next wave of talented female artists to new audiences across the globe.

” We are very proud of Maandy and her contributions to the genre and will continue to support her as she grows as an artiste,” she said.

According to Okumu, Maandy began her musical career in 2016, churning out bold and high quality music while steadily growing her fanbase.

Responding, Maandy said: “Being a part of the EQUAL programme means a lot to me. I feel seen and appreciated for my work as a woman in the music industry.

” Navigating a male dominated industry requires composure and a lot of resilience.

” As intimidating as it may  get sometimes, one has to realise they have just as much right to occupy these spaces as the men,” she said.

When asked what that surprising aspect of her, her fans might be unaware of, she said: ” I am actually a very shy person in real life.

” I know most people may not believe it because I am very expressive in my music but I am very awkward in social settings.”

Maandy described her sound as edgy, fun, sexy, unapologetic and a reflection of living in Nairobi as a young woman.

” My style is very upbeat, cool and rhythmic.”

(NAN)