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.
Ghanaian musician Sparqlyn is set to release another big hit.
His latest release, ‘Rosina,’ features Germany-based Ghanaian musician, video director, and sound engineer TEENO (known privately as Eric Kwame Tamakloe).
TEENO’s project ‘Signs’ was recently accepted by the Grammys for official consideration in the ‘Album of the Year’ category. Now, ‘Rosina’ is making serious waves across the airwaves.
Coming shortly after the impressive reception to his previous single ‘Fameko,’ ‘Rosina’ is already receiving strong attention from music lovers and radio listeners.
This new song carries an infectious Afrobeats and Hiplife feel while maintaining the romantic direction that characterised ‘Fameko,’ Sparqlyn’s 2026 Highlife collaboration with Ziya.
‘Fameko’ marked an important moment in Sparqlyn’s musical journey, with the love-themed highlife record receiving positive reactions from music lovers and media platforms following its June 2026 release.
The song became one of the highlights of his 2026 output, ranking high on multiple charts.
‘Fameko’ has also bagged Sparqlyn two top nominations: “Highlife Song of the Year” and “Artist of the Year” at the 2026 Stars Awards.
The combination of a romantic storyline, Afrobeats rhythm, and Hiplife influence give the song a sound that fits comfortably into the current Ghanaian music landscape.
The timing of the song’s release could also prove significant for the award-winning artiste. Sparqlyn recently secured two nominations at the 2026 Ghana Youth Empowerment Awards, where he is in contention for Youth Empowerment Advocate of the Year and Outstanding Youth Personality of the Year.
With ‘Fameko’ having established strong momentum earlier in the year and ‘Rosina’ now beginning to enjoy significant airplay, Sparqlyn appears to be ending another eventful chapter of his musical career on a high note.
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Ghanaian highlife and Afrobeats singer Kuami Eugene Marfo known in showbiz circles as Kuami Eugene has urged fellow musicians and entertainers to use their influence on social media and other platforms to champion causes that positively impact society.
The award-winning artiste made the call during a UNICEF Ghana birth registration advocacy campaign in Bepoase in the Ayensuano District of the Eastern Region, where he joined officials from UNICEF Ghana and the Births and Deaths Registry to raise awareness about the importance of registering children at birth.
He explained that artistes wield significant influence and should leverage platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram to amplify important social initiatives and encourage behavioural change.
The musician, who has partnered UNICEF Ghana on several child-focused campaigns, said he had a special interest in issues affecting children and was committed to supporting efforts that improved their welfare and future opportunities.
He noted that birth registration was critical because it established a child’s legal identity and ensured recognition as a Ghanaian citizen.
The advocacy drive forms part of UNICEF Ghana’s efforts to improve birth registration rates across the country through community engagements, public education and collaboration with traditional authorities.
The musician said he remained focused on creating quality music while continuing to support social causes that contribute to national development, particularly initiatives aimed at improving the lives of children. –GNA
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