EQUAL Africa is a female-focused artist program that aims to promote diversity, equality and inclusion in the music industry. It rotates through a monthly ambassador and offers on- and off-platform support to artists in order to amplify female voices in the music industry on the continent.
“By providing equal opportunities for female artists, the industry becomes more inclusive, ensuring a wider range of perspectives and narratives,” said Spotify East Africa’s Head of Artist and Label Partnerships, Monica Kemoli-Savanne. “This not only challenges stereotypes, but also helps preserve diverse cultural heritage. Additionally, the visible representation of successful female musicians serves as inspiration for aspiring talent, breaking down barriers and encouraging the next generation of artists.”
On learning of her selection as ambassador, Fena Gitu said: “It is a huge honor to be recognized by Spotify EQUAL as a leading female voice to be heard on the continent. I hope my music continues to inspire hope, love and heal generations and spread good vibes for the mind, body and soul – all over the world.”
Fena Gitu is a highly acclaimed recording artist and performer who has been in the music industry for over 13 years with an extensive music catalog of over 60 released songs.
She grew up listening to Kenyan pop and gospel and says artists like the late E-Sir, Kleptomaniax, Nazizi, Ogopa Deejays and the Gospel Fathers gave her her first impression of what the Kenyan superstar was like.
“I was also listening to international artists like Missy Elliott, India Arie, Destiny’s Child, a lot of Jamaican dance music, South African music and more. All these cool urban sounds influenced my writing skills and perspective from a young age. I still listen to a lot of pop/fusion from Kenya and Africa, keeping up with the best of the best on the continent.”
Fena Gitu started writing, producing, recording and performing music in elementary school and got serious about it in high school, where “the palpable energy of putting on annoying ‘concerts’ in the dorm after lights out at boarding school confirmed the passion and her desire to become a world star.” She went on to university and eventually broke into the Kenyan music scene, and 13 years later she’s still hungry for more and has set her sights on the world stage.
Describing her sound and style, the introverted artist said: “I call my style in music and fashion ‘Fenamenal’ – an intense Afro-urban fusion. The tone is aspirational, mature, nostalgic, refreshing, witty and calm. I’m interested in lyrical wordplay and melodies, wrapped in an irresistible Eastlando [Nairobi’s Eastlands region] leap.”
Her advice to budding artists? “Do it scared. Just keep doing it.”
Listen to the acoustic version of Fena Gitu’s ‘Let Me Go’ at EQUAL Africa Playlist.