Showbiz
Demi Lee Moore is Spotify EQUAL Artist for March
South African pop artist Demi Lee Moore has been announced as Spotify EQUAL Africa’s Artist for March 2025, highlighting her powerful voice and significant contribution to the Afrikaans music scene.
Demi Lee emerges as the first South African artist to join this year’s Spotify EQUAL Africa programme – a global initiative that supports women’s music through education, inspiration and networking opportunities, showing the platform’s support for female artists all year round.
Her album, “Mis Eet Slaap Herhaal”, quickly achieved Gold status, selling over 15,000 copies in 14 days. 2018 marked a pivotal year in Demi Lee’s destiny when she entered “Die Kontrak” – a competition that began with 2 000 participants – and emerged victorious.
Demi Lee Moore’s impact on Spotify is undeniable; in 2023 she was recognised as one of the top artists in the Afrikaans music category. “Being a part of the EQUAL campaign means the world to me,” says Moore. “To be in a position to inspire women in the industry and little girls growing up with big dreams is such a blessing!”
“Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme is dedicated to empowering female voices in Africa, spotlighting artists who continue to push boundaries with their artistry,” says Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu. “Demi Lee exemplifies the calibre of talent the programme aims to support. Spotify is proud to be associated with her and will continue to use the EQUAL Africa programme to provide support for women in music, amplifying their voices and helping showcase their incredible talents to a global audience.”
We sat down with Demi Lee to learn more about her and her music:
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
I absolutely LOVE cooking, I love my dogs more than anything and I love to wakeboard. I also worked as an air hostess straight after school and later became a nail technician as a side job from home, all while I was working my way up in the music industry.
When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
I had a connection to music from a very young age. I was always part of the theatre and performing in school. I loved the feeling that music and being on stage gave me. Being able to be creative and share it with people is so fulfilling. After school, I just decided that I’m gonna go for it. My why has always been ‘WHY NOT’. I do not believe in losing, I believe in learning and growing. How could I not use the talent God has given me? If I can make someone experience emotion through my music, uplift them and make them forget in dark moments, I am truly fulfilling my calling. Music is the soundtrack to our lives, every heartbreak, wedding, birthday – every memory is connected to music and it is the greatest gift to be part of just a moment in someone’s life.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
My biggest influence from Africa has been Mango Groove, I always wanted to play with a band and I remember the first time I had the opportunity, we sang a Mango Groove Medley. Naturally, as an Afrikaans artist, the artists I listen to most growing up in Africa have been from the Afrikaans music scene.
To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone and style?
My sound has definitely changed over the years and I always try something new with every album, but one aspect that has remained is my ‘country’ influence. I have a very organic approach while still keeping it pop with a country feel to it. With the new album we coloured outside the lines, bringing in some saxophone elements with a jazzy sound on the one song but still remaining true to Demi.
Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
I believe the biggest part of being successful is believing in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, how will you convince other people to?
How do you navigate the music space as a female artist and how does your unique perspective shape your artistry?
Being a woman in a male-dominated industry is extremely challenging but having confidence in your purpose is key. I think being female is my super power. I can tap into my emotions and really connect with females listening to my music and inspire young women to not stray away from who they are. I only put out music that portrays a message that I want to share and is true to who I am. I want to inspire the next generation of female artists to follow their dreams and believe that they, too, can dominate a male-dominated industry.
A quote from you about your experience navigating the male-dominated world of music and what being a part of the EQUAL programme means to you”
I believe in always having perspective in every situation. There is a Jane Fonda quote from an old movie –
“There are watchers in this world and there are doers. The watchers sit around watching the doers, do”
We need to be both. Watchers first, to learn, observe and then apply what we have seen. Then we need to become doers. And the only way you can be a doer is to do and try everything you possibly can to get your name heard, to never allow your own ego or opinions of others to ever stand in your way.
If you’re not putting in the work, it’s never going to happen for you. Even if you are better, you will need to work harder. Purpose should be the centre of your focus.
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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