Nigerian artist Kold AF is making waves in the music scene. She’ll take centre stage in Spotify’s EQUAL Africa program this April.
This recognition comes after she was named a Spotify Fresh Finds artist in 2023.
What is Spotify EQUAL?
Spotify’s EQUAL program is a global year-round initiative that empowers female creators by giving them a powerful platform for growth.
The program offers a dedicated EQUAL hub that connects listeners across more than 180 markets with talented female artists of all genres.
Kold AF Joins a Thriving Community
“At Spotify, we’re passionate about empowering women and creating opportunities for them to shine,” says Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Senior Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa.
“We’re committed to showcasing rising stars like Kold AF, who inspire us to chase our dreams. EQUAL Africa is proud to be a part of sharing their stories.”
EQUAL’s Impact in Numbers
In 2023, the EQUAL program hosted 15 events and activations, resulting in over 14.8 million artist discoveries through EQUAL playlists. Additionally, EQUAL artists received an impressive 11,800 editorial playlists.
Staying True to Herself
Kold AF, who recently released a 2-pack EP titled “No PITY” with alternative soul artist Aema, emphasizes the importance of staying true to her artistic vision.
“People often try to box me in based on their own biases,” she says. “But as a young woman navigating the music industry, I refuse to be limited. My focus is on staying true to myself and my music.”
“Participating in the EQUAL program is a huge honour,” says Kold AF. “It shows Spotify’s dedication to supporting female artists like me. It inspires me to pay it forward and help other aspiring women chase their musical dreams.”
Kold AF on her music and creative journey
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
That I like video games. I had a Nintendo DS at some point in my childhood and was STUCK ON IT. I played a couple of games on my friend’s XBoxes and PlayStations, but I never had a console.
Now I’m getting back into the groove of it, and I’m loving every second of this reunion of sorts.
When did you realise that making music was your destiny, and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
I only fully came to the realisation that it was what I was made for in 2019. As a child, I dreamed of being a star, performing in front of millions of people but I was riddled with fear for many years before 2019.
That year, I decided that regardless of the intense fear, I would take the first step and keep moving until I saw myself on the stages my younger self had been daydreaming about all day, with no regrets.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
I listened to whatever my parents were a fan of at the time. That included icons like Fela Kuti, Lagbaja, Plantashun Boiz, Psquare, Angelique Kidjo, Fally Ipupa, Awilo Longomba, and the stars that came after them like Asa, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Cynthia Morgan and so on.
How would you describe your music’s sound, tone, and style to someone who has never heard it?
I would describe my sound as a fusion. It’s electric and full of emotion, a fluid sound that will always infuse beautiful genres. My foundational genres are Dancehall, R&B, and Afropop, but I’m as versatile as it gets, and I’ll never be afraid to show it any chance I get. I speak on real and relatable topics, and I’m probably the biggest fan of my own music. When you press play on anything I’m on, you can be sure one thing is constant: QUALITY.
Any advice for someone who is dreading following their dreams?
I was literally in their position before 2019 so I can categorically say this; Take the first step. It’s the scariest decision and action but it is the most important one. The ‘what ifs’ and ‘ maybes/maybe nots’ don’t matter in the grand scheme of things if you play it safe and never know. Things will come together with time, effort, showing up, and consistency.
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