Spotify provides a global platform for advancement for female creators through its year-round EQUAL initiative. This amazing group of artists is made available to audiences in over 180 regions through the specialized EQUAL hub.
Senior Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for Spotify in Sub-Saharan Africa, Monica Kemoli-Savanne, states, "At Spotify, empowering women and creating opportunities for them is a true passion." We're determined to keep up these initiatives and present up-and-coming musicians like Kold AF, who inspire hope and affirm that aspirations are real. It is an honor for EQUAL Africa to participate in the telling of these tales.
15 EQUAL activations were held by Spotify in 2023 alone. EQUAL playlists led to approximately 14.8 million artist finds, and 11,800 editorial playlist additions were made to EQUAL artists. This illustrates the extent and impact of the program.
Kold AF emphasizes the value of remaining loyal to her artistic vision. She recently collaborated with alternative soul musician Aema on a 2-pack EP titled "no PITY." She says, "People often try to fit me into their preconceived moulds, guided by their prejudices." However, as a young lady navigating the music industry's maze, I won't let these restrictions hold me back. My unshakable concentration is still on adhering to my artistic vision.
15 EQUAL activations were held by Spotify in 2023 alone. EQUAL playlists led to approximately 14.8 million artist finds, and 11,800 editorial playlist additions were made to EQUAL artists. This illustrates the extent and impact of the program.
Kold AF emphasizes the value of remaining loyal to her artistic vision. She recently collaborated with alternative soul musician Aema on a 2-pack EP titled "no PITY." She says, "People often try to fit me into their preconceived moulds, guided by their prejudices." However, as a young lady navigating the music industry's maze, I won't let these restrictions hold me back. My unshakable concentration is still on adhering to my artistic vision.
Being a part of the EQUAL program is an honor in and of itself, demonstrating Spotify's dedication to promoting female musicians. It also acts as a subtle reminder for me to support the ambitious women who will pursue careers similar to mine, Kold AF said.
Kold AF and I had a sit-down to talk more about her music and artistic process.
What is one interesting fact about you that your followers might not be aware of?
that I enjoy playing video games. At one time in my childhood, I owned a Nintendo DS and was completely addicted to it. I never owned a console, although I did play a few games on my friends' XBoxes and Playstations.
Kold AF and I had a sit-down to talk more about her music and artistic process.
What is one interesting fact about you that your followers might not be aware of?
that I enjoy playing video games. At one time in my childhood, I owned a Nintendo DS and was completely addicted to it. I never owned a console, although I did play a few games on my friends' XBoxes and Playstations.
I'm starting to get back into the swing of things now, and I'm enjoying every second of this virtual reunion.
When did you realize that you were destined to be a musician, and why do you want to pursue this career?
It wasn't until 2019 that I truly realized it was my calling. I used to have childhood dreams of becoming a famous performer in front of millions of people, but until 2019, I struggled with fear.
That year, I made the decision to move forward in spite of my extreme fear and to stop when I saw myself standing on the stages that my younger self had spent the entire day daydreaming about, remorse free.
When did you realize that you were destined to be a musician, and why do you want to pursue this career?
It wasn't until 2019 that I truly realized it was my calling. I used to have childhood dreams of becoming a famous performer in front of millions of people, but until 2019, I struggled with fear.
That year, I made the decision to move forward in spite of my extreme fear and to stop when I saw myself standing on the stages that my younger self had spent the entire day daydreaming about, remorse free.
Which bands or songs from Africa did you listen to as a child?
I listened to the music that my folks were enjoying at the moment. This featured stars who came after them, such as Asa, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Cynthia Morgan, and so forth, as well as icons like Fela Kuti, Lagbaja, Plantashun Boiz, Psquare, Angelique Kidjo, Fally Ipupa, and Awilo Longomba.
How would you characterize the sound, tone, and style of your music to someone who hasn't heard it?
I listened to the music that my folks were enjoying at the moment. This featured stars who came after them, such as Asa, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Cynthia Morgan, and so forth, as well as icons like Fela Kuti, Lagbaja, Plantashun Boiz, Psquare, Angelique Kidjo, Fally Ipupa, and Awilo Longomba.
How would you characterize the sound, tone, and style of your music to someone who hasn't heard it?
My sound is what I would call a Fusion. It's passionate and electrifying. a versatile sound that will always enhance lovely genres. My primary genres are dancehall, R&B, and afropop, but I'm quite adaptable and won't hesitate to showcase my talents whenever the opportunity arises. I probably love my own music the most and I talk about real, accessible subjects. You can always count on one thing when you hit play on anything I'm working on: QUALITY.
Any suggestions for someone who is afraid to pursue their dreams?
I can say this with absolute certainty because I was in their shoes before 2019: Take the initial step. Though the choice and action are the scariest, they are also the most crucial. In the end, if you play it safe and never know, the "what ifs" and "maybes/maybe nots" don't matter. With persistence, patience, effort, and regular attendance, everything will fall into place.
Listen to the newly released song "Everyday (I Day Pray)" by Kold AF on the EQUAL Africa playlist.
Any suggestions for someone who is afraid to pursue their dreams?
I can say this with absolute certainty because I was in their shoes before 2019: Take the initial step. Though the choice and action are the scariest, they are also the most crucial. In the end, if you play it safe and never know, the "what ifs" and "maybes/maybe nots" don't matter. With persistence, patience, effort, and regular attendance, everything will fall into place.
Listen to the newly released song "Everyday (I Day Pray)" by Kold AF on the EQUAL Africa playlist.