Spotify has named Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer Ṣẹwà its EQUAL Africa Artist for November, recognising her blend of Afro-soul, jazz, blues and R&B.
Through the EQUAL Africa programme, Spotify supports and promotes women artists across the continent, helping them reach wider international audiences.
Spotify Feature for ‘Lése’#
As part of the recognition, Ṣẹwà’s single ‘Lése’ has been featured on the platform. The self-produced track explores heartbreak and emotional vulnerability through introspective lyrics, rock-influenced drums and jazz elements.
The song was written in her studio apartment and developed through remote collaborations with musicians in Lagos, New York, Dubai, Canada and Australia. Contributions from abroad helped shape an arrangement intended to capture the sound and energy of a live band.
Musical Path and Influences#
Ṣẹwà is a largely self-taught multi-instrumentalist and producer whose development has been shaped by personal experience and creative independence. She began learning guitar during a difficult period of recovery after the loss of her father, a musician and conga player who played an important role in establishing the musical environment in her household.
Learning to play ‘Bamidele’ by Nigerian singer Asa on guitar marked an important step in her relationship with music, which gradually grew from a source of personal comfort into a creative pursuit.
Her musical influences include:
- Asa
- Beautiful Nubia
- Brenda Fassie
- Fatoumata Diawara
- King Sunny Adé
- Lagbaja
- Pasuma
Drawing on these influences, she builds detailed instrumentation and personal experience into her songwriting, exploring themes such as grief, healing, love and personal growth.
