Showbiz
Spotify Chooses Qing Madi as EQUAL Artist for January

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Fast-rising Nigerian singer, Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, professionally known as Qing Madi, has been named as the Spotify EQUAL Africa Artist for January 2025.
Qing Madi’s breakout moment came when See Finish went viral on social media, captivating audiences and establishing her presence in the Nigerian music industry.
This success was followed by the release of her Qing Madi album, a collection of relatable songs reflecting themes of first loves and the emotional journey to self-discovery.
She later expanded on this success with a deluxe version of the EP, adding three new tracks: a remix of Vision featuring Chloe Bailey, the Kizz Daniel-assisted YBIL (You Believe in Love), and the emotive Sins For U and capped off 2024 with the release of Goosebumps.
Commenting on her choice for Spotify EQUAL Artist for this month, the streaming platform’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Ms Phiona Okumu, said, “Qing Madi is a phenomenal talent whose music resonates deeply with audiences both in Africa and beyond. We are thrilled to see her return as an EQUAL artist and can’t wait to see her continue breaking boundaries and inspiring the next generation of artists.”
Speaking on her selection, Qing Madi said, “It’s an incredible feeling to start the year with such significant recognition. Being part of the EQUAL program again means a lot to me, and I’m grateful for Spotify’s support in highlighting the voices of African women.”
“As a female artist, I’ve learned that you need to work a hundred times harder than your male counterparts to have your voice heard.
“My unique perspective is reflected in my artistry—I think differently, and I see the world in a way that shapes my writing and music. My lyrics often incorporate metaphors and layered meanings, allowing listeners to explore deeper emotions and perspectives through my songs,” she further said of herself.
The 18-year-old music act said, “I realised music was my calling as young as when I was five years old. My WHY for pursuing music is rooted in a deep desire to impact the world positively and touch lives through my art. Music is my way of inspiring, uplifting, and connecting with people on a profound level.
She described herself as a multi-linguist because she speaks multiple languages.
“I speak English, Spanish, and Igbo fluently, which allows me to connect with diverse audiences and infuse unique cultural influences into my music,” she disclosed, saying her music career was inspired by Kendrick Lamar because his “artistry and storytelling influenced my creative journey and the way I approach music.”
Spotify Wrapped data for 2024 highlights Qing Madi’s remarkable musical talent as she ranks among the most-streamed female artists in both Nigeria and Ghana, with her hit American Love securing the position of the second most-streamed song in Uganda.
Qing Madi also shines as one of Africa’s leading EQUAL artists, sharing the spotlight with stars like Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Amaarae.
Showbiz
Spotify, United Masters Empower Emerging Nigerian Artists

By Aduragbemi Omiyale
For three days, some emerging independent Nigerian artists were tutored in Lagos on how to navigate the challenging showbiz terrain and remain afloat.
This was through a collaborative initiative between Spotify and United Masters known as Fresh Finds Sessions.
The three-day camp focused on comprehensive artist development, offering invaluable industry insights and music recording sessions.
This programme provided invaluable networking opportunities and comprehensive industry insights for participating talents as one of them, Rigo Kamp, confirmed.
“I didn’t know what to expect, but after having my session, I’m just in awe and happy about my involvement. For Spotify and United Masters to find me worthy to participate in this programme is an honour,” Kamp said.
It was learned that at a Q&A session the hosted by United Masters’ Head of Africa, Mr Niyi Osadipe, a renowned producer, Sarz, advised young music acts to be real.
“I think one of the most important things I have learnt over the years is being authentic to yourself, and that authenticity is a byproduct of everything else that you may desire, including success and accolades,” he advised.
Another producer, Loudaa, urged producers to always connect with artists during sessions because it helps with the inspiration process.
“Creativity as a whole comes from a deep place and different things can inspire what you create,” Loudaa noted.
The event had recording sessions, which featured emerging producers, Twitchpapi and LeMav, who collaborated with promising artists Kyla Blac, DEELA, Tolani and the current face of Fresh Finds Africa’s playlist, Rigo Kamp, with songwriter Vito Rali also joining them during these sessions.
On the final day, those present were treated to a showcase featuring Amaeya, Fitzy West, FirstKlaz, and Romi; songwriter Shorae Moore, producers Ramoni and Dunnie.
“Spotify has always been intentional about creatives and their growth. Being able to serve the creative community in this way has been an honour and we’re grateful to our partners, United Masters, for collaborating with us,” Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa, Mr Victor Okpala, said.
Showbiz
Spotify Updates App With New Custom Create Cover Art Feature

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Popular streaming platform, Spotify, has updated its application with a new Create Cover Art playlist, giving users a fun way to personalise their playlists and show off their imagination.
The feature is embedded with fonts, stickers and graphic elements that allow users to take their playlists to a whole new level.
The company said this innovation signifies a continuation of its vision of encouraging people’s individuality and helping them make their playlists even better.
To access it, all users have to do is open the Create Cover Art tool from the Spotify mobile app; to select an existing playlist or to create a new one, tap the context menu.
From there, they can start to play around with features that allow them to add text, choose images and create some design elements.
Once they’re done, save it and share your playlist with your friends or on your social network.
Over 8 billion playlists have been created by Spotify users on the platform and they have been showing their creativity through their music choices.
Now with things like font options, stickers and graphic tools, they can take their playlists to the next level and make them look as good as they sound.
Thus, Spotify continues to lead the way in making playlist creation both a visual and auditory experience, allowing people to fully embody their playlists and take pride in them as pieces of work.
Showbiz
FG, Ecobank, Firm to Launch 2025 Design and Innovation Exhibition

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
All seems to be set for the unveiling of the inaugural Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 organised by Design Week Lagos in partnership with Ecobank Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy.
The event will feature the Manufacturer and Designer’s Pavilion, spotlighting collaborations between manufacturers and designers, as well as the Designer’s Pavilion, where 50 individual designers will present new concepts across a variety of design disciplines, including furniture, toys, automotive, and industrial design, reflecting the diversity of Nigeria’s creative landscape.
A standout feature of the event will be the Titi Lai Lai Showcase, a curated concept store that will present exclusive pieces from renowned Nigerian designers and artists such as Victor Ekpuk, Banke Kuku, Mama Nike, and the Nike Art Gallery.
This collaboration will highlight the fusion of art and design, celebrating the use of local materials and the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.
“This exhibition offers a distinctive avenue for our nation’s economic advancement. By harnessing the synergy between Nigerian creativity and the manufacturing sector, we can modernize and innovate our products, promote the production of Nigerian creativity and furniture, and strengthen our economic connections,” the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy, Ms Hannatu Musa Musawa, stated.
The Head of SME, Partnerships, and Collaboration at Ecobank, Ms Omoboye Odu, said, “Ecobank is the solution for African banking, and we are committed to giving our customers the platform to network, collaborate, and partner to promote innovation and creativity. We are proud to be part of the process to spotlight homegrown innovations and sustainable practices across various sectors.”
Also speaking, the founder of Design Week Lagos and the Design, Innovation, and Inventors Hub of Nigeria, Ms Titi Ogufere, said, “The Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 is more than a celebration of design; it represents a bold step toward positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
“By fostering collaborations between designers and manufacturers, we aim to develop innovative products that not only serve local markets but also establish Nigeria as a global leader in design and manufacturing exports. This initiative underscores our commitment to building a sustainable industrial ecosystem that celebrates local talent and drives economic growth across Africa.
“At a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s creative economy, the Design and Innovation Exhibition 2025 will showcase the finest in furniture, product, and industrial design. This year’s exhibition will focus on the theme Building a Made-in-Nigeria Brand, celebrating the creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship of Nigerian designers and manufacturers while emphasizing industrialization and export potential.”
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