Kenyan rapper Maandy named Spotify’s EQUAL artist of the month

Spotify, the worldwide streaming platform, has named Kenyan female rapper Maandy its EQUAL Africa ambassador of the month.

Maandy joins other Kenyan singers like Muthoni Drummer Queen, Nikita Kering’, and Xenia Manasseh who have previously served as Spotify EQUAL ambassadors.

EQUAL Africa strives to highlight and promote the voices of African female musicians who are breaking down boundaries and creating waves in the music industry.

Furthermore, it aims to broaden its audience by presenting its portfolio to a worldwide audience.

According to a Spotify statement, Maandy’s music is clever, edgy, and will undoubtedly make someone dance.

“The self-styled ‘Kabaya’; a sheng word used to mean ‘baddie’, sings in Sheng and Kiswahili, with club bangers like her latest release Tena,” the statement read in part.

“Her music is bound to get you on your feet and is currently enjoying massive airplay on the radio as well as in clubs. Maandy is a versatile multi-genre musician. Her debut albums Frisky and Kabaya slip between rapid-fire Trap, Hip Hop grit, and bouncy Dancehall styles which showcases her love for her craft.”

Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu said they are proud of Maandy and her contributions to the genre.

She added that they intend to continue supporting her as she grows in her craft.

“At Spotify, we feel privileged to support and usher in the next wave of talented female artists to new audiences across the globe,” Okumu said.

Maandy began her musical career in 2016 and has since then released bangers like Sirudi Home, Shash na Lipgloss, and BTW.

The female artist stated that as daunting as it might be at times, women have the same right to inhabit these places as males.

“Navigating a male-dominated industry requires composure and a lot of resilience,” Maandy said.

“Being a part of the EQUAL programme means a lot to me. I feel seen and appreciated for my work as a woman in the music industry.”