Entertainment
Qing Madi steps into Spotify EQUAL Africa spotlight
Global streaming giant, Spotify, announced today that Nigerian sensation singer, Qing Madi has joined its EQUAL Africa music programme. Since her arrival on the Nigerian music scene, the multi-talented songwriter and entertainer has captivated fans with her craft, and this month, she is being recognised as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa ambassador for June.
For Qing Madi, born Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, music has been her only calling and her artistic genius was evident when she launched her career. at the early age of seven. At 16, she delivered, See Finish, a record that highlighted her abilities and has made her a rising star to watch.
Heavily influenced by her cultural background and the lyrical arrangements of Kendrick Lamar, the versatile Nigerian prodigy is shaping the future of music with her unique genre-bending fusion of Afrobeats, Pop, Soul and R&B.
She took the Nigerian music industry by storm when ‘See Finish’ went viral on social media and caught the attention of listeners. While Qing Madi is currently working on her debut EP, she released a follow-up single Why which further showcased her genre-blending ability as she combined smooth R&B vocal texture, Dancehall cadence, and Afrobeats melodies and lyrics to create an infectious song.
Qing Madi joins other Nigerian artists, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Asa, and FAVE as part of EQUAL Africa, which aims to spotlight and amplify the voices of talented female artists making waves in the music scene. In addition, it amplifies their music by exposing their catalogue to global listenership.
“We are proud to welcome Qing Madi to the EQUAL programme, and we’re so excited to see how her talent continues to take her from strength to strength. We hope by shining a light on talent like hers, we can inspire a new generation of creators,” says Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.
Qing Madi says “As a female in the male dominated industry, I have to work a million times harder to be seen and heard. Being part of the Equal programme is an opportunity as a female to be visible globally and to grow my fanbase.”
With more young female stars like Ayra Starr, FAVE, Ria Sean, and Bloody Civilian breaking into the mainstream, Qing Madi is positioned to be the next young female talent to take her music to a bigger audience and Spotify is set to assist her in her goal through its EQUAL Africa Program.
Check out Qing Madi’s single Why on the EQUAL Africa playlist, and get to know more about her with our artist Q&A below:
- What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
That I am bilingual. I speak Spanish and Igbo as someone that was born, bred and raised in Nigeria. More so, I am currently learning Mandarin. One more thing, I am obsessed with learning to the point where I do it unintentionally.
- When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
Music for me wasn’t just a talent or an ability that I had. Not something that I was able to do, it was a life I wanted to live. A feeling that I wanted to express. Music is my shallow thoughts spoken loudly. It is my comfortable and confident space as a teenager. I knew it was my destiny from the first time I climbed on stage and held the microphone at seven years old. Something about being in charge of millions of people and being heard.
My why is easy. Growing up antisocial, it has been hard to justify my feelings and emotions, and music was a safe haven for me, and I believe so many people are still seeking theirs. As a 16-year old teenager, I want to be who they listen to when they seek peace.
- Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
Tiwa Savage, Davido, Burna Boy and Wande Coal.
- To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
Afro, R&B, and a limitless sense of emotion.
- Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
Deafen your ears to the crowd and begin. Nothing begins unless you just start.
Legendary US-based Ghanaian musician, producer, and music entrepreneur Nana King is getting ready for the release of his highly anticipated new album 4EVR Champion Vol. 1.
The much-awaited album was released worldwide on Friday, March 6, 2026, a historic and iconic date in Ghana.
The ambitious 25-track album marks the first installment of a two-part series: 4EVR Champion Vol. 1, which launches a major new chapter for Nana King whose claim to fame was ignited over two decades ago, and the second part scheduled for release later this year, continuing the momentum of what is shaping up to be one of the most expansive projects of his career.
Nana King is widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the Hiplife genre who helped shape the groundbreaking sound that emerged from Ghana in the late 90s.
However, on the latest project 4EVR Champion Vol. 1, he blends that legacy with a modern global sound, combining Hiplife, Afro Trap, R&B, and hip-hop into a vibrant and internationally accessible record.
4EVR Champion Vol. 1 moves fluidly between smooth R&B melodies, rhythm-driven Afro Trap production, classic Hiplife flows, and modern hip-hop arrangements, with a lot of melodic vocal hooks that gives the project a worldwide listenership appeal.
The album also presents a multilingual experience, featuring songs in English, Twi, and Pidgin, reflecting the diverse cultural influences behind Nana King’s music and giving it a distinctive international flavor.
Nana King brings together decades of musical experience with a forward-looking vision which is evident in the impressive roster of collaborators from across the contemporary music scene.
Notably, all of the featured artists on the album, except Kwacy Boat, are signed to Nana King’s label, Ashanti International Records, highlighting the strength of the roster he has developed and mentored through the label.
Reigning rap queen Nana Queen appears on two of the album’s most anticipated tracks.
She joins Nana King on the title track “4EVR Champion”, a bold Afro Trap reinterpretation of Nana King’s iconic 1999 anthem “Champion,” originally recorded with Ghanaian rap legend Ex-Doe.
Nana Queen also appears on the breakout single “Woye Medo”, which has already been dominating radio airwaves throughout the early months of 2026.
Other featured artists include Lucia on “Fake”, Kwacy Boat on “Anadwo Yɛ Dɛ”, Boy Spike on “Ɔnnye Wo Deɛ” and Shegeeh on “Odononie”. These collaborations showcase the range of voices shaping Nana King’s latest musical vision.
In his part, COO of Ashanti International Records/Nana King’s Manager, Marcelle Sirkus noted that “this album celebrates the sound that cemented Nana King’s legacy, while setting a new standard for hiplife artists worldwide.”
Meanwhile, the album’s early buzz has been fueled by the success of Nana King’s single Woye Medo, which has been steadily gaining traction on radio and streaming platforms since the start of the year.
Blending heartfelt Twi lyrics with modern production and Afro Trap rhythm, the song has quickly become a standout release and a signal that Nana King’s sound continues to resonate across generations.
More than two decades after helping shape the Hiplife movement, Nana King is now pushing that sound beyond borders. The music video for the Title Track “4EVR Champion” is certain to thrill fans upon its release in a few weeks.
As 4EVR Champion Vol. 1 arrived on Friday, March 6, the message behind the album is clear: Nana King’s intentions go beyond revisiting the legacy he helped create; he’s bringing the sound he pioneered to a worldwide audience in a bold new era.
Born William O. A. Konadu Jr. in Los Angeles, Nana King later lived in Ghana, where he launched his record label Ashanti International Records.
Through the label, he developed and mentored numerous artists who would go on to become chart-topping stars, helping to define a generation of Ghanaian music.
The Ghana Music Awards USA (GMA-USA) has officially recognized a select group of distinguished individuals as Life Patrons during a special announcement.
The Life Patron recognition is reserved for those who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to the advancement of Ghanaian music, both in the United States and globally, says Mr Emmanuel Kusi Mensah (Capito), the COO of the awards scheme.
According to the GMA-USA organizers, Life Patrons are more than supporters—they are visionaries and cultural ambassadors who have invested their time, resources, expertise, and networks to promote Ghanaian talent abroad.
Their efforts have helped position the GMA-USA as a premier event in the diaspora, connecting artists, fans, and stakeholders from all walks of life.
Speaking at the event, the CEO of GMA-USA Mr Dennis Boafo (Don D), expressed his profound gratitude: “Our Life Patrons are the backbone of this awards scheme. Their passion for music and culture is truly inspiring, and their contributions ensure the continued growth and relevance of Ghanaian music internationally.”
The newly inducted Life Patrons will be celebrated throughout the year, with special features and profiles highlighting their impact.
The GMA-USA team has encouraged the public and the music community to join in honoring these champions, whose legacy will inspire future generations of Ghanaian artists and music lovers.
Below are our Life Patrons:
Ing. Isaac Ampem Darko – (CEO, DARKXLYN COMPANY LTD)
Is a highly experienced civil engineer, entrepreneur, and pastor with decades of expertise in civil engineering, earthworks, geodetic surveying, and road design. With over two decades of professional experience, he has built a strong reputation as an industry leader and an excellent consultant.
Vida Djorgee – Chief Operating Officer (COO), Essential Quality Care
Vida Djorgee brings over 23 years of dedicated healthcare experience and serves as the Chief Operating Officer and Founder of Essential Quality Care in Portland, Oregon. She began her career with Providence Health Care Services, where she spent 17 years coordinating hospital operations before expanding her expertise into hospice and end-of-life care.
Isaac Ofori Amoako – (CEO Ike City Hotel)
Isaac Kwabena Ofori Amoako is the owner, CEO, and “Billionaire Boss” of Ike City Hotel. A prominent Ghanaian business mogul and philanthropist, who also serves as the CEO of the Ike City Group of Companies.
Before establishing his business empire in Ghana, Amoako spent over a decade in the diaspora, where he reportedly worked multiple jobs to build his capital.
He is widely recognized for his humanitarian work.
Sabaina Dugan
Is a Registered Nurse (RN) with sixteen years of work experience. She serves as an Associate Director of Nursing, specifically noted for her leadership qualities. Mrs. Dugan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
As the CEO of Plush Media, a company involved in media production and events, Sabaina Dugan has spearheaded campaigns to integrate Ghanaian music, especially gospel music, into the American entertainment environment. Under the Plush Media umbrella, Mrs. Dugan helped organize the Shakana Experience 2024, a major gospel music event featuring many Gospel artists.
She is also the CEO and owner of Lucern Ventures, which showcases a diverse portfolio spanning healthcare, media, and general entrepreneurship.
Dr. Sandra Adom, PhD, FNP-C, RN, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner, professor, and research professional with over 15 years of experience in clinical care and research.
She is passionate about compassionate, evidence-based healthcare and mentoring future healthcare professionals.
Dr. Adom also has a deep appreciation for Ghanaian music and culture. In 2025, she served as the Advanced Practice Provider for the Ghana Music Awards USA, supporting the health and wellbeing of performers and event participants.
