Spotify has named Nigerian singer and songwriter Solana its EQUAL Africa Artist for October, highlighting an emerging artist whose music blends alt-R&B, electronic and pop influences with elements drawn from her Nigerian and Yoruba heritage.
The recognition comes as Solana prepares for a major month in her career, including her first performance in South Africa at Spotify’s EQUAL Artist Showcase in Johannesburg on October 14. Her selection also puts renewed attention on her Yoruba-language single, “Okunkun,” which explores resilience and finding a way through difficult periods.
EQUAL Africa is Spotify’s programme dedicated to supporting and amplifying women artists across the continent and connecting their music with audiences beyond Africa.
Solana has built her identity around combining music with visual storytelling, incorporating elements of traditional Nigerian fashion into a contemporary aesthetic. Her approach also extends to her fan community, known as Lanterns, with whom she shares new music and other experiences as part of her creative process.
Her musical influences include Nigerian icons King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and Lagbaja, whose music she encountered while growing up.
“Music has always been a form of expression for me since I can remember. I’m a girl of few words. I don’t talk a lot, so music has always been my safe space and escape,” Solana said when asked when she realised music was central to her life.
She described her sound simply as “expression”, saying it brings together different styles while allowing her to communicate her emotions authentically.
Her October spotlight comes ahead of the release of her next single, “O Ri Mi,” scheduled for October 16, followed by her EP, “Girl from the West, Act I,” on November 6.
Spotify Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu said Solana’s ability to combine African influences with a distinctive contemporary sound made her a strong fit for the EQUAL programme.
“Solana has built a world that’s so entirely her own, and yet somehow anyone who grew up African will recognise at least one corner of it. Her sound is one that requires no passport. EQUAL exists to champion this refreshing balance, and we’re thrilled to bring her to a South African stage for the first time this October.”
For Solana, the recognition is also significant as she continues to establish herself in an industry where female artists often face additional barriers.
“Light will always shine because that’s what it is created to do.’ As a woman, it’s a fact that it can be harder for people to take you seriously, but I’ve accepted that as a people problem, not mine. Consciously, I just show up as Solana, incredibly talented. Being part of the EQUAL programme makes me feel seen, [and] that no matter the obstacles, I still come out shining. I’m super grateful for this opportunity.”
Her featured track “Okunkun”, which means “darkness”, reflects that outlook. Solana said the song was inspired by the difficult periods people experience and encourages listeners not to remain trapped in them.
Furthermore, her first South African performance will give Solana an opportunity to introduce her sound to a new audience and expand the world she has been developing through her music.
“This is something I’ve wanted to do for the longest. I’m a true believer of music being something that connects people and brings them together and it’s basically me bringing people into my own world. It just makes me super excited. It’s like me seeing people step into the world that made and shaped me into the woman that I am and the woman that I will continue to grow into.” She said.
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