Spotify named Nigerian singer and songwriter Solana its October EQUAL Africa Artist in Lagos on 8 Oct 2026 ahead of her first South African performance.
Spotify said the programme supports women artists across Africa and connects their music with global audiences.
“Her sound is one that requires no passport,” said Phiona Okumu, Spotify's Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa.
For Kenya's music industry, the selection illustrates how streaming platforms combine artist promotion with live performances to introduce African musicians to audiences beyond home markets.
Solana will perform at Spotify's EQUAL Artist Showcase in Johannesburg on 14 Oct 2026.
Her new single O Ri Mi will follow on 16 Oct 2026 according to the release.
Spotify said her music draws on Nigerian roots and Yoruba cultural influences across electronic music, alt-R&B and pop.
The October feature centres on Okunkun, a Yoruba-language track about resilience during difficult periods.
Solana said the song's title means “darkness” and reflects its message about moving through personal struggles.
“Everyone goes through darkness from time to time,” Solana said in an interview included with the release.
She said the track encourages listeners to recognise difficult circumstances and keep moving rather than remain caught in them.
Solana also described music as a way to express feelings she does not readily communicate through conversation.
“Music has always been a form of expression for me since I can remember,” Solana said.
She identified King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey and Lagbaja among the Nigerian musicians she listened to while growing up.
Her mother played King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey while television music videos introduced her to other artists.
Spotify said Solana plans to explore further dimensions of her sound as her recording career develops.
The company also described a visual identity that combines traditional clothing with experimental styling and a signature hairstyle.
According to the release, her fan community is known as Lanterns and receives early listening opportunities alongside newsletters and small gatherings.
These activities place direct audience relationships alongside recorded music and live performance in the artist's approach to building her career.
Solana said women can face difficulties getting taken seriously in the music industry but described the EQUAL selection as recognition of her work.
Spotify's release did not disclose financial terms for the feature or performance.
The company reported 626 million users and 246 million Premium subscribers in the background information accompanying the announcement.
Those figures describe Spotify's wider platform rather than the audience reached through Solana's feature.
Solana's next scheduled appearance is the Johannesburg EQUAL Artist Showcase on 14 Oct 2026.