Popular Nigerian singer, Simi Bolatito Kosoko, known by her stage name Simi has been named Spotify Equal Africa Artist for July in the Spotify Equal Africa music program.
This was revealed by Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
This news comes after the release of her recent album which dropped in June, titled ‘TBH (To Be Honest).’
According to Okumu, Simi will join other Nigerian artists such as Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Asa, and FAVE to be a part of EQUAL Africa, which seeks to highlight and amplify the voices of great African female musicians making waves in the music industry.
She added that Simi had succeeded Tiwa Savage as the second African musician to be designated as an EQUAL worldwide and EQUAL Africa artist.
“Spotify welcomes Simi to the EQUAL programme which aims to foster gender equality and provide a platform to celebrate influential female artistes.
“She joins a list of talented African women who are driving the culture and breaking through barriers in the music industry.
“We are proud to welcome Simi to the EQUAL programme, and we are so excited to see where her talent continues to take her from strength to strength.”
In reaction to the news, Simi herself spoke about the struggle of thriving in a male-dominated industry and her hopes that women continue to shine in the industry.
“Striving and thriving as a woman in a male-dominated industry has taken years of practice to master.
“You go from being scared of it to being intimidated by it, to being brave enough for it, and then finally, to conquering it.
“I have almost always had to do way more than my male peers to prove myself but because of my love for music, I have been relentless and proud to do this work.
“I certainly hope, with all my heart, that the women who continue to come after me find it easier to shine in the way they deserve.”