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.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The United Kingdom and Nigeria have officially launched the Creative Industries Technical Working Group to deepen bilateral ties and create a robust framework for growth within the creative sectors of both nations.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the launch of this Working Group and a match-making event for UK-Nigeria creatives industries leaders in London represents a milestone in the UK-Nigeria relationship, designed to boost innovation, cross-border creative collaborations, and drive sustainable economic growth and development.

The events provided a dynamic platform to explore new opportunities and form commercial alliances within key creative subsectors such as film and TV, music, fashion and design, architecture, advertising, and gaming.

By prioritising collaboration and cultural exchange, the initiative is poised to foster long-term growth, enhance job creation, and unlock new pathways for creativity and innovation in both countries.

The statement added that a terms of Reference and joint work plan for 2025 were also agreed upon to guide the Group’s focus and efforts.

Speaking on the significance of the launch, Ms Florence Eshalomi MP, the UK’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group, remarked that, “Our nations share a rich cultural bond and a deep belief in the transformative power of creativity, through music, film, fashion, and arts.

“This initiative, rooted in our landmark Enhanced Trade & Investment Partnerships (ETIP), will drive stronger trade ties, foster deeper collaboration, and unlock the full potential of our creative industries,” adding that, “By enhancing market access and investing in skills, we are opening doors to new opportunities that will create jobs and boost economic growth in the UK and in Nigeria.”

Emphasising the need for deeper creative and cultural ties, Mr Obi Asika, Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture and Co-Chair of the UK-NG Creatives Technical Working Group in Nigeria, added “Nigeria’s creative economy is a global force, driven by our storytellers, musicians, designers, and digital innovators.

“From Nollywood to Afrobeats, fashion to gaming, our industries are reshaping global culture and commerce. However, to unlock the full potential of this sector, we need strategic investment and support not just in talent, but in the institutions and infrastructure that will sustain long-term growth.”

Representing Mr Asika from the Nigerian side, Prince Baba Agba, Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Creativity, underscored the importance of leveraging UK expertise for impactful collaborations.

“The UK’s creative industries stand as a global benchmark for institutional excellence, market distribution, and innovation. We are eager to tap into your expertise for meaningful partnerships. This Working Group isn’t just about discussions – it’s about taking concrete actions that will yield tangible outcomes for creators, businesses, and industry stakeholders on both sides,” he noted.

Also speaking on behalf of the music industry, Mr Adedayo Ayoade, Product Lead at Gbedu Labs, said, “The future of Nigeria’s music industry lies in live experiences, innovation, and global collaborations. The launch of the Creative Industries Technical Working Group, under the ETIP framework, represents a significant first step towards bridging cultures and amplifying the voices of the next generation.”

Following the tremendous success of its inaugural edition, Soto Gallery, in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), and the main sponsor, Craneburg Construction Company, are set to host the second edition of the +234 Art Fair.

The highly anticipated event will take place from March 27 to March 31, 2025, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC) in Victoria Island, Lagos, starting at 10 am each day.

The theme for the 2025 edition, Championing Patronage in Nigerian Art, will explore the transformative power of patronage in driving the growth and sustainability of Nigerian art.

The fair is designed to offer a significant platform for young, unrepresented Nigerian artists, enabling them to showcase their work locally and internationally.

This year, there will by many interesting and varied art patrons and collectors who are quietly moving the industry forwards.

The founder of +234 Art Fair and Soto Gallery Foundation, Mrs Tola Akerele, expressed her excitement about the continued success of the event.

She emphasized that patronage in the art world goes beyond financial support; it’s about fostering relationships that empower artists to sustain and expand their creative practices.

“Art thrives in environments where the practice is nurtured by a community committed to its growth, and the 2025 edition of the +234 Art Fair aims to facilitate those essential connections.

“By providing a dynamic platform for artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts to interact, the fair will demonstrate how meaningful support can shape an artist’s journey and enhance the broader art ecosystem,” she said.

Reflecting on the success of the 2024 edition, Mrs Akerele said, “We are proud of the achievements of the inaugural fair and are committed to continuing to provide opportunities for ‘un-galleried’ Nigerian artists to showcase their incredible skills, elevating their work on both the local and global art stages.”

On his part, the Managing Director/Regional Executive of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Bolaji Lawal, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to nurturing the creative sector across Nigeria and Africa.

“The creative industry is a vital driver of economic growth and global connectivity, and we are proud to invest in the next generation of African talent. By providing platforms for emerging artists, we aim to support the growth and international recognition of Nigeria’s flourishing art scene,” he stated.

The 2025 fair will showcase an array of paintings, photography, and sculptures representing various aspects of Nigerian society. With free entry, the fair aims to foster cultural resonance, wealth creation, and provide opportunities for learning, networking, and social impact.

In addition to the diverse art exhibits, the fair will feature an art-centric bookstore, a children’s area, a VIP lounge, culinary offerings, and interactive workshops.

The event is expected to attract a wide range of attendees, including Nigerians, Africans, international residents, government officials, policy makers, diplomats, and global art enthusiasts.