Vinka named Equal Africa ambassador by Spotify
Spotify has officially named the multitalented and chart-topping Ugandan artist Vinka as its EQUAL Africa Ambassador for the month of October.
This prestigious appointment is part of Spotify’s initiative, EQUAL Africa, which is dedicated to tackling gender inequality in the music industry and spotlighting the remarkable talent of female artists from the African continent.
Vinka now joins a remarkable group of artists renowned for their strength, immense talent, and of course, their extraordinary music.
This collective includes notable names such as Makhadzi, Maandy, and Xenia Manasse, among others.
Vinka’s journey into the world of music began as a young enthusiast who drew inspiration from artists like Awilo Longomba and Koffi Olomide, whose music became the soundtrack of her upbringing.
Also read: List: Sheila Kwamboka and Julia Gaitho’s podcasts top in Kenya – Spotify
Initially entering the industry as a dancer, she quickly transitioned into artist management, setting the stage for her own artistic endeavors.
“When I began working as an artist manager at the record company, I developed a deep love for music and grabbed the opportunity when it came my way,” Vinka said.
The transition from handling technical aspects to taking center stage with the microphone marked the commencement of a flourishing music career for Vinka.
Her journey has been marked by a series of chart-topping hits, including tracks like “Malaika” and “Thank God,” which vividly showcase her artistic prowess.
In a show of commitment to her artistry and her devoted fan base, Vinka embarked on a remarkable campaign in 2019, releasing a new single every first Friday of the month throughout the year.
Refusing to be confined to a single genre, Vinka explores a diverse musical landscape, particularly embracing dancehall and various African sounds.
Also read: Kenya leads in global RnB music consumption on Spotify
She characterizes her music as catchy, characterized by a unique voice, tone, and vibe.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, praises Vinka’s impact on the music scene, stating:
“Vinka is a testament to Uganda’s vibrant and thriving music industry. She serves as a prime example of a female artist in Africa who is disrupting the music industry with her unorthodox and innovative music marketing techniques.”
For aspiring young artists looking up to her, Vinka offers words of wisdom, saying:
“They must believe in themselves, stay focused, and never give up. Success demands an investment of time and effort, and they must be willing to put in the work.”
Also read: Kenyan Gen Z’s embrace soothing music – Spotify report