Spotify has named Solana October’s EQUAL Africa Artist of the month.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that Spotify has named Nigerian singer and songwriter Solana as its EQUAL Africa Artist for October, spotlighting the genre-bending artiste whose sound blends alt-R&B, electronic music and pop with Nigerian and Yoruba cultural influences.
The recognition is part of Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme, which celebrates, supports and amplifies women artists across the continent while connecting their music with audiences around the world.
Solana’s selection comes during a major period in her career, with her Yoruba-language single “Okunkun” serving as the featured track for the October campaign.
The song, whose title means “darkness,” explores resilience and the need to keep moving forward through difficult periods in life.
According to Solana, “Okunkun” was inspired by the different forms of darkness people experience and the importance of finding a way out.
“What I tried expressing in this song [and to myself] is: keep moving forward, don’t stay in that darkness. Life is too beautiful for you to waste it away in darkness,” she said.
The EQUAL Africa spotlight also coincides with Solana’s first performance in South Africa. She is scheduled to perform at Spotify’s EQUAL Artist Showcase in Johannesburg on October 14, marking her first opportunity to bring her live performance to audiences in the country.
Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, praised Solana for creating an artistic identity that is both distinctly African and globally accessible.
“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,” Okumu said.
She added that Solana’s sound “requires no passport,” describing the EQUAL programme as a platform designed to champion such distinctive artistry.
Building a distinct musical identity
Solana’s artistry extends beyond music to visual storytelling and fashion. She has developed a distinctive identity through her signature hairstyle, contemporary interpretations of traditional Nigerian attire and an experimental, fashion-forward aesthetic.
Her world-building also extends to her fan community, known as Lanterns. She engages the community through exclusive first-listens, intimate meet-ups, newsletters and other experiences designed to give fans closer access to her creative journey.
Her musical influences are deeply rooted in Nigerian culture. Growing up, Solana listened to legendary Nigerian artistes including King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and Lagbaja, experiences that continue to influence her artistic expression.
She describes her sound simply as “expression,” saying it combines different musical and creative elements while remaining centred on authentic emotional expression.
Solana’s upcoming projects
The EQUAL Africa recognition comes ahead of a busy release period for the artiste.
Her upcoming single “O Ri Mi” is scheduled for release on October 16, while her anticipated EP, “Girl from the West, Act I,” is set for release on November 6.
Speaking about navigating the music industry as a woman, Solana said she has chosen to focus on her abilities rather than allow gender-based challenges to define her career.
“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,” she said.
“Consciously, I just show up as Solana, incredibly talented.”
For Solana, being selected for EQUAL represents recognition of her journey and resilience.
“Light will always shine because that’s what it is created to do,” she said. “It makes me feel seen, that no matter the obstacles, I still come out shining, and I’m super grateful for this opportunity.”
As she prepares for her first South African performance, Solana said taking her music across Africa represents an opportunity to bring audiences into the world that has shaped her.
“I’m a true believer of music being something that connects people and brings them together,” she said.
