By Damilola Nubi
Spotify has unveiled multi-talented Nigerian artiste, Nissi, as its EQUAL Africa Ambassador for October.
Phiona Okumu, Head of Music for Sub-Saharan at Spotify, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
Okumu said that Nissi embodies the new wave of African creative women who are shattering professional boundaries and excelling not only in music but also in STEM.
According to Okumu, Nissi, who is also a visual artist, and an engineer, integrates art and technology in her work, proving that women can be multi-layered and excel across multiple fields.
“Through her innovative approach, Nissi actively works to empower women in technology and innovation, serving as a powerful inspiration for a new generation of female creatives and artistes.
“As a singer and songwriter, Nissi blends Afrobeats, funk, and soul with uplifting lyrics.
“In 2023, she released “Nobody”, featuring Fireboy DML, an infectious pop masterpiece that fuses R&B and Afrobeats into a rich, melodic experience,” Okumu said.
She said beyond her artistry, Nissi was part of the elite team that designed the Bentley Bentayga SUV, a milestone that made her one of the few black women to contribute to such a high-profile automotive project.
“Her work shows that her talent transcends music, bridging art, science, and engineering in a way that highlights the limitless potential of African women,” Okumu said.
Okumu said that Spotify’s EQUAL Africa initiative, since its launch, had continued to amplify the voices of women across the continent.
“It has been providing them with the platform, visibility and resources they need to tell their stories and connect with audiences worldwide.
“Nissi represents a new wave of African creatives who are shaping the culture from every angle.
“She’s not only pushing boundaries through her music but she’s also showing that women can lead across music, art, and technology; that’s exactly what EQUAL Africa celebrates,” Okumu said.
Nissi commended spotify’s EQUAL programme for empowering female artistes.
According to her, she loves the creation and performance of music, and connecting with people through tmusical storytelling.
“Music has been a part of my life since I was five years old, playing the keyboard in music school. I knew it was a part of my destiny when I made my first demo at 13,” Nissi said.
Nissi advised women to own every space and fight for the things they are passionate about.
“Most industries are not easy on women. My perspective allows me to always see that there’s nothing I can’t achieve, so I just go for it, and I hope that someday people recognise all the things that I am.
“All my life, I’ve been in male-dominated industries and my ethos has always been to keep putting in the work, being your best, and that no one can do it the way that you do,” Nissi said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Folasade Adeniran