Nigerian recording artist, songwriter and producer Ṣẹwà has been named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist for November, recognising her work in blending Afro-soul, jazz, blues and R&B.
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.
Written in her studio apartment, the song was developed through remote collaborations with musicians in Lagos, New York, Dubai, Canada and Australia. These international contributions helped create an arrangement designed to capture the sound and energy of a live band.
Ṣẹwà’s musical development has been shaped by personal experiences and creative independence. A largely self-taught multi-instrumentalist and producer, she began learning guitar during a difficult period of recovery following the loss of her father, a musician and conga player who played an important role in shaping the musical environment in her household.
Learning to play ‘Bamidele’ by Nigerian singer Aṣa on guitar marked an important step in her relationship with music, which gradually developed from a source of personal comfort into a creative pursuit.
Her musical influences include Aṣa, Beautiful Nubia, Brenda Fassie, Fatoumata Diawara, King Sunny Adé, Lagbaja and Pasuma. Drawing on these influences, she incorporates detailed instrumentation and personal experiences into her songwriting, exploring themes such as grief, healing, love and personal growth.
A graduate of Seneca College’s Independent Music Production programme, Ṣẹwà has performed alongside Nigerian superstars Johnny Drille, Simi, Burna Boy and Aṣa. She has also appeared at major events such as Afrofest Canada, Afrovibes Festival and Sofar Sounds. She is an official musician with Sofar Sounds and Waveland Canada.
The EQUAL Africa programme focuses on supporting and promoting women artists across the continent by increasing their visibility and connecting their music with audiences in Africa and international markets. Launched in April 2021, it is a key component of Spotify’s EQUAL Hub, which aims to promote gender equity in the global music industry through curated playlists, specialised content hubs and collaborative efforts.
Over the years, the initiative has shone a spotlight on African artists such as Yemi Alade, Ayra Starr, Aṣa, Fave, Gyakie, Brazy, Njerae, Somi, Amaarae, Nissi, MOLIY and Lusanda.