Nigerian music sensation Qing Madi has kicked off 2025 with a significant milestone, being named Spotify’s EQUAL Artist for January. This announcement reflects Spotify’s ongoing dedication to spotlighting exceptional female talent from Africa, empowering them to make a global impact.
This isn’t Qing Madi’s first recognition under Spotify’s EQUAL programme. Her earlier inclusion in the EQUAL playlist showcased her talent and established her as a rising force in African music. Her return as a featured artist for January 2025 solidifies her status as a trailblazer in the industry, inspiring a generation of female musicians across the continent.
Spotify Wrapped 2024 revealed Qing Madi’s growing dominance in the music scene. She emerged as one of the most-streamed female artists in Nigeria and Ghana, with her hit single American Love ranking as the second most-streamed song in Uganda. These achievements highlight her widespread appeal and mark her as one of Africa’s standout EQUAL artists, alongside luminaries like Tyla, Ayra Starr, and Amaarae.
Qing Madi’s journey into music has been deeply inspiring. Encouraged by her mother and shaped by artistic influences such as Kendrick Lamar, her passion for music began at just five years old. A move to Lagos further fueled her ambitions, leading to her viral breakout with See Finish, a track that resonated with audiences and marked her entry into Nigeria’s vibrant music industry.
Her debut project, the Qing Madi album, cemented her place in the industry, blending themes of first love and self-discovery into a relatable and emotive collection. The deluxe edition, released later, expanded on this success with three new tracks: a remix of Vision featuring Chloe Bailey, YBIL (You Believe in Love) with Kizz Daniel, and the heartfelt Sins For U. She closed 2024 with Goosebumps, further showcasing her evolution as an artist.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, remarked, “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.”
Reflecting on the honor, Qing Madi shared, “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 she begins 2025 with this accolade, Qing Madi continues to redefine the possibilities for African women in music.
