Tag: EQUAL

Las fans están impulsando el boom de las artistas femeninas en Colombia

September 30, 2025

En Colombia, el sonido del éxito de las artistas femeninas es inconfundible, y gran parte de ese impulso viene de las fans mujeres. Según datos de Spotify, el 58% de quienes escuchan a artistas femeninas en el país son mujeres, lo que refleja un ecosistema vibrante donde se apoyan y se elevan entre sí.

Y la tendencia es clara: en los últimos cinco años, las reproducciones de artistas femeninas en Colombia se han multiplicado por cinco, mientras que el catálogo de canciones de mujeres colombianas ha crecido un 36%. El impacto va mucho más allá de las fronteras nacionales. A nivel global, las artistas colombianas han visto crecer sus streams 170 veces en la última década, consolidando su estatus como exportadoras culturales que conquistan audiencias en todo el mundo.

Este crecimiento refleja una industria en transformación. Como señala Mia Nygren, Managing Director para América Latina en Spotify: “La industria ha evolucionado enormemente en la década que Spotify lleva en Latinoamérica, y el papel de las mujeres también ha cambiado. Los números lo reflejan: no solo en streams, también en regalías. Aun así, sabemos que queda mucho por hacer, y por eso seguimos creando espacios e iniciativas para visibilizar y potenciar a las mujeres en la música”.

Empowerment Days: Construyendo comunidad en Bogotá

Para mantener este impulso y atender los retos que persisten, Spotify celebró recientemente la tercera edición de Empowerment Days en Casa Spotify Bogotá. Diseñado por y para mujeres de la industria musical, este evento es un pilar de la iniciativa global EQUAL de Spotify. EQUAL, que apoya a mujeres artistas y creadoras dentro y fuera de la plataforma, ha respaldado a más de 1.200 embajadoras en todo el mundo.

Durante dos días, managers, productoras, artistas y creadoras se reunieron para compartir consejos y reflexionar sobre los desafíos únicos que enfrentan las mujeres en la música. Uno de los momentos destacados fue un panel con Mia, la manager Rebeca León y la cantautora ELENA ROSE, donde se abordaron temas como la educación, la independencia y la importancia de la alfabetización financiera.

Women Fans Are Powering the Rise of Female Artists in Colombia

September 30, 2025

In Colombia, the sound of success for female artists is unmistakable, and much of that success is fueled by female fans. According to Spotify data, 58% of listeners of female artists in the country are women, highlighting a vibrant ecosystem where women are championing and elevating one another.

And the momentum is clear: Over the past five years, streams of female artists in Colombia have increased fivefold, while the catalog of songs by Colombian women has grown by 36%. The impact goes far beyond national borders. Globally, Colombian female artists have seen their streams grow 170 times in the last decade, cementing their status as cultural exports who are captivating audiences worldwide.

This remarkable growth reflects a changing industry. As Mia Nygren, Managing Director for Latin America at Spotify, notes: “The industry has evolved greatly in the decade Spotify has been in Latin America, and women’s roles have shifted as well. The numbers reflect this—not only in streams, but also in royalties. Still, we know there’s much more to be done, and that’s why we continue creating spaces and initiatives to promote and spotlight women in music.”

Empowerment Days: Building community in Bogotá

To fuel this momentum and address ongoing challenges, Spotify recently brought these milestones and conversations to the forefront at the third edition of Empowerment Days at Casa Spotify Bogotá. Designed by and for women in the music industry, the event is a cornerstone of Spotify’s global EQUAL initiative. EQUAL, which champions women artists and creators both on- and off-platform, has supported more than 1,200 ambassadors worldwide.

Across two days, managers, producers, artists, and creators gathered to share advice and reflect on the unique challenges women face in music. A highlight was a panel featuring Mia, manager Rebeca León, and singer-songwriter ELENA ROSE, who discussed topics like education, independence, and the importance of financial literacy.

Spotify’s Heart & Soul Initiative Brings Mental Health Support to Artists and Creators Worldwide

June 12, 2025

In 2018, Spotify launched Heart & Soul, a mental health initiative developed to provide support and promote deep knowledge about emotional well-being.

As conversations around mental health take center stage in the music industry, Spotify is deepening its commitment to artist well-being through our Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators initiative. In partnership with leading nonprofits, this global effort aims to provide meaningful support, challenge cultural norms, and ensure that artists, songwriters, and their teams can access the help they need—when they need it.

“Heart & Soul is our commitment to the creators behind the music. Artists and songwriters face immense pressure, and their mental health can’t be an afterthought,” said Lauren Siegal Wurgaft, Head of Social Impact, Spotify. “Supporting creators’ well-being is essential to sustaining a vibrant music ecosystem. By working closely with trusted partners like Backline, we’re not just offering resources, we’re helping drive lasting change in how the industry approaches mental health.”

Here’s how we’re putting that promise into action:

Financial Support

Spotify is providing direct financial support to help expand the impact of the following organizations: Backline (including Chappell Roan’s WE GOT YOU! fund), MusiCares, Music Health Alliance, Music Minds Matter, and Noah Kahan’s The Busyhead Project.

Expanding Access to Care

Together with Backline and Music Minds Matter, Spotify is funding grants to enable one-to-one therapy for current and upcoming EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR ambassadors in the U.S. and U.K. Artist ambassadors from these programs will be given grants through partners that directly cover the cost of therapy that they can use themselves or gift to other artists in their bands or members of their teams.

Backline x Spotify: Supporting Artists Worldwide

We’re making mental health care easier to find and faster to access for creators. Spotify is proud to partner with Backline on the launch of their new global resource hub, an international, multilingual database featuring trusted music industry and mental health support resources and crisis lines from around the world.

“Backline is honored to serve as a steward of Spotify’s investment into the creative community,” said Hilary Gleason, Cofounder and Executive Director, Backline. “Bringing our work to scale is a meaningful way to uplift the well-being of artists all around the world. This collaboration is taking these invaluable mental health and wellness resources beyond borders. Music knows no bounds, and now people who make music happen have access to care and a compassionate community. Our work together will help ensure that artists have the resources, support, and stability they need to thrive both personally and professionally.”

To provide more personalized pathways to care, Backline has also launched global@backline.care, a dedicated concierge email service that provides one-on-one support to help individuals navigate local care options and mental health systems in their countries.

Bringing Wellness on the Road

We’re partnering with Backline and The Busyhead Project to meet artists where they are—in studios and backstage at major festivals like All Things Go NYC—through on-site wellness activations, self-care kits, and guided workshops designed to bring calm to the chaos.

Delivering Everyday Tools for Mental Health

Through our new Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators hub on Spotify, creators can access curated playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks specifically designed to support their well-being.

Spotlighting Stories That Support Creators

Across Spotify for Artists and Spotify Songwriting, we’ll spotlight real mental health stories from the creative community and offer resources, reflections, and tools that resonate.

Holding Space for Songwriters

We’re creating spaces for connection and conversation around mental health in songwriting—through intimate dinners and studio residencies that bring songwriters together around mental health themes.

“The mental health challenges artists face are real and the current support systems often fall short,” said Monica Herrera Damashek, Head of Artist and Label Partnerships, Spotify. “It’s on all of us in the industry to respond with action. Spotify is expanding its Heart & Soul for Creators initiative by helping Backline scale its Mental Health & Wellness Global Resource hub internationally for the first time and by offering one-to-one therapy access to EQUAL, GLOW, and RADAR ambassadors in the U.S. and U.K. This is only one step, and we’ll continue to build a more supported environment for the artists who shape culture every day.”

Spotify’s Heart & Soul initiative represents a significant step forward in our enduring commitment to artists and creators. By providing direct financial support, expanding access to vital care, and integrating wellness into the everyday lives of musicians, we aim to foster an industry where mental health is prioritized, understood, and supported. This is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to working collaboratively to create a more sustainable and compassionate ecosystem for the individuals who bring the world’s music to life.

Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month With Music, Podcasts, and Audiobooks That Illuminate a Wealth of Cultural Diversity

May 16, 2025

Globally, Asian and Pacific Islander (API) artists, creators, and authors continue to make their presence felt with exciting new musical styles and genres, sharp cultural commentaries, and narratives that offer a window into the diverse experiences that shape their perspectives.

Throughout May, Spotify is celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by spotlighting API voices around the world. Whether you’re on your desktop or mobile, our Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month hub is your go-to spot for all the great stuff we’ve got lined up, including brand-new Spotify Singles and refreshed playlists, as well as curated podcasts and audiobooks.

You know our playlists GLOW, Fresh Finds, Frequency, and EQUAL? They’re joining the celebration, too. Keep an eye out because some fantastic API artists will be sprinkled throughout these playlists and featured on playlist cover art all month long. And speaking of playlists, we’re highlighting some dedicated ones like Jasmine, K-Pop ON!, Gacha Pop, Desi Hits, and KALYE that are packed with the hottest sounds from API artists right now.

We’re also teaming up with indie star Japanese Breakfast—one of the earliest faces of our Jasmine playlist—for a takeover featuring the emerging API artists she’s most excited about right now. And if you’re in New York and LA, look for billboards spotlighting rising artists who have been featured on the playlist, including Luna Li, Snow Wife, Chance Emerson, Griff, grentperez, and Debbii Dawson.

Spotify and ELLE Once Again Collaborate in Celebration of Emerging Women in Music

April 22, 2025

Spotify has an unwavering commitment to supporting emerging artists across all genres, to helping them launch and thrive in their careers, and to connecting them with fans across the globe.

And for the second year running, we’ve teamed up with ELLE, the world’s largest fashion magazine and media brand. Together, we’re again spotlighting the women featured in its May 2025 Women in Music issue, including artists whose careers began as social media sensations, first appeared on film and TV, and are currently rocking the charts.

Follow Spotify and ELLE on Instagram to see exclusive content that captures the stars of the Women in Music issue, including cover star Addison Rae, who opens up about taking creative risks with her new music and moving beyond her influencer label to define herself on her own terms. With her debut album out on Columbia Records later this year, Rae is pirouetting her way into the global pop vanguard. “I feel like I’ve surpassed Addison Rae,” she says. “It’s just Addison now.”

Also in the mix: Madison Beer opens up about the pressure of growing up on camera, how her social anxiety impacts appearances on red carpets and at award shows, how Chappell Roan’s Grammys speech was really “validating” to her own experience in the industry, and why she’s finally done chasing approval. “I’m really proud of where I am,” Madison says. “If my younger self met me right now, she’d be like, ‘You’re the coolest girl on earth. I get to be you one day? That’s so sick.’”

Finally, in addition to sharing images from the cover on special billboards in New York City and LA, we’ve invited ELLE to curate a special playlist with a selection of tracks from artists found in the issue.

ELLE’s Women in Music Issue, with its dazzling cover of Addison Rae, is on newsstands May 6.

Spotify Celebrates Women in Music: A Global Spotlight on Talent and Achievement

March 7, 2025

Spotify is dedicated to amplifying and celebrating the incredible contributions of all artists and creators worldwide. As part of that commitment, on March 6 we teamed up with Billboard to host the first-ever Women in Music Executive Honoree Reception, an intimate gathering in Los Angeles.

The evening served as a pre-celebration for the magazine’s annual Women in Music event on March 29, which recognizes top artists, creators, producers, and executives for their contributions to the industry.

Hear From Some of Spotify’s Top EQUAL and GLOW Ambassadors of 2024

December 4, 2024

As we unveil 2024 Spotify Wrapped, a celebration of the fans, artists, and creators that defined the year, we’re thrilled to spotlight two global initiatives: EQUAL and GLOW. These programs amplify the voices of talented women and LGBTQIA+ artists through local and global playlists, partnerships, activations, and more. With EQUAL, we’ve continued our mission to foster equity for women in the music industry, while GLOW has shined as a beacon for inclusivity, celebrating the diverse contributions of queer artists and creators.

In 2024, we supported more than 200 ambassadors with increased editorial and on- and off-platform support, and generated more than 51 million discoveries through EQUAL and GLOW playlists. We also hosted more than 20 activations worldwide—from launching South Africa’s GLOW playlist during Pride Month to honoring the pioneering U.K. artist SOPHIE in her hometown; from running EQUAL networking and educational events in Mexico and Japan to planning charity galas in Italy and Spain.

“These programs are very special because of the immense global network and opportunities they represent,” said Bel Aztiria, Lead, Social and Equity Music Programs at Spotify. “At Spotify, a large team of us work on the programs as part of our core responsibilities, supporting the mission globally while honoring each market’s culture and needs. We maintain a constant pulse because we believe these communities are to be supported and celebrated year-round. This mission is ongoing, and while there’s still much to achieve, we’re proud to continue showing up globally to drive meaningful change.”

So without further ado, check out our top EQUAL and GLOW ambassadors of 2024 and hear from some of them about their standout year and the impact of women and queer artists.

Most-streamed artists within our EQUAL global playlist

Having just debuted this year, South Korean girl group ILLIT has already captured the hearts of fans.

“We have had the privilege of spending a truly joyful year connecting with our fans,” they said. “One of the most fulfilling and memorable aspects of this year has been the overwhelming love that ‘Magnetic’ has received from fans worldwide. We were also deeply honored to receive several prestigious awards for the song.”

ILLIT

As for Mexican pop star DANNA, her happiest moment of 2024 was the release of CHILDSTAR.

“This album changed my life and has transformed me as a person and as a human being,” she said. “It was very special that [my fans] received it so beautifully and loved it as much as I do. Thank you for giving me this moment—I love you. You’ve made this the best year so far, and I can’t wait for everything that’s coming!”

DANNA

Turn up the volume on women artists with our EQUAL global playlist.

Most-streamed artists within our GLOW global playlist

For the Record had the opportunity to catch up with Slovakian alt-pop sensation Karin Ann, Italian electronic dance music duo Giolì & Assia, and Belgian electro-pop artist Mustii about their whirlwind 2024, the importance of representation, and more.

What were some of your 2024 highlights?

Karin Ann

Karin Ann: Putting out my debut album, through the telescope, was a big one. I also played SXSW for the first time, I shot my first indie movie, I had a cameo in Suki Waterhouse’s music video, and I got to do an incredible European tour with mehro. I played a show in Turkey and I also played in Canada for the first time while opening for renforshort. And obviously I became a Spotify GLOW ambassador. It was a crazy year full of amazing things.

I also just released a surprise cover of one of my all-time favorite songs, “Wicked Game,” to end the year. I decided to include a cover of that song on my set list while touring and the response has been absolutely insane. So many people came up to me after the show and asked me if I was going to release it, and even after the tour people continued to message me about it, so I decided to do it as a little treat for everyone who’s shown me so much love and support.

Giolì & Assia: Our live tour all around the world with special sold-out shows in cities like New York, Toronto, and more, but also our first back-to-back set with the legend Black Coffee in Ibiza.

Mustii

Mustii: The music video release of “BEFORE THE PARTY’S OVER,” which was the first single from my upcoming album, THE MAZE, and also my Eurovision entry for Belgium. People’s reactions were so touching and amazing! THE MAZE is a new era for me—this album is so personal and queer, and I’m really proud of it.

Which queer artists have you listened to the most this year?

Karin Ann: Reneé Rapp, Chappell Roan, and The Last Dinner Party.

What do you wish for queer artists in the years to come?

Karin Ann: It’s so important, now more than ever, to have representation in media and to continue being brave and proud and show other queer people that there are safe spaces for us. I hope we never stop creating safe communities for people and that more amazing new queer artists will arise.

Giolì & Assia

Giolì & Assia: To see them headlining all major festivals in the world, but also to keep being so unapologetically queer and authentic—more and more!

Mustii: That we can hear their voices louder and louder, that they continue to spread freedom, self-love, to create some new doors and new ways against obscurantism and narrow-minded souls. Now more than ever, we need them so much.

What do you have planned for 2025?

Karin Ann: Where would be the fun in revealing my secrets like that! I love to be a little mysterious. I do have some very exciting things in the works, though, so people should keep their eyes peeled.

Giolì & Assia: Lots of new music, of course, and cool new live experiences for our fans!

Mustii: I’ll promote and play THE MAZE on several stages and festivals. I will also come back to theater as an actor, so it will be a year full of music and acting. I can’t wait!

Stream our GLOW global playlist to discover more talented LGBTQIA+ artists.

Explore your personalized 2024 Wrapped and learn more about this year’s campaign and experience on our 2024 Wrapped hub.

EQUAL Celebrates the Growing Impact of Women on Poland’s Music Scene

October 28, 2024

Spotify is committed to promoting gender equality in music, among other initiatives, through our EQUAL program. Since 2021, EQUAL has shined a spotlight on women in audio through global partnerships, activations, new content experiences, and on- and off-platform support.

On Spotify, listeners in more than 180 markets can find the EQUAL hub, a space dedicated to this content. And since 2021, we’ve supported more than 40 EQUAL ambassadors and promoted even more women through dedicated playlists.

With so much incredible talent to highlight and celebrate, EQUAL continues to evolve and expand. Over the past two years, we’ve hosted EQUAL Festivals in countries like Argentina, Spain, Japan, France, Australia, and Mexico. Most recently, the EQUAL team left its stamp on Poland, aiming to provide a platform for discussing how women in the industry can continue to thrive and inspire the next generation of Polish female creators through panels, networking, inspirational talks, and performances.

“Over the past few years, we’ve witnessed the rapid increase in popularity of Polish female artists, and at Spotify we are committed to helping female artists connect with a global audience, providing them with the space to grow creatively and build their careers on a global scale,” said Katarzyna Czechowska, Spotify Artist and Label Partnership Lead, Poland. “With that said, we’re conscious about the continued need to support these artists and ensure equal opportunities together with the rest of the industry.”

Looking back at the last five years of female-led music in Poland, there’s been plenty to celebrate. Just take a peek at the highlights:

More Polish female artists are building their careers on Spotify

Since 2019, we’ve seen nearly 25% more Polish female artists uploading music on Spotify.
Additionally, the annual number of streams for songs by female artists in Poland has surpassed 2 billion, marking a nearly 600% increase since 2019.

They’re also making their presence felt on the charts

In 2019, we saw one female artist on our yearly Top 100 list for Poland: Daria Zawiałow. In 2024, we can already reveal that this year’s list will include seven women.

Songs by female artists on our Polish Top 100 list have nearly doubled from 2023. Since 2019, we’ve also seen a staggering 1,200% increase in songs by female artists on the Polish Top 100.

Fans around the world are taking notice

In 2024, Polish female artists have achieved over 2 billion streams to date in their local market, which represents a near 600% increase since 2019.
Internationally, streams for Polish female artists have increased by more than 340% since 2019.
While most streams of Polish female artists happen to be pop songs, the most notable genre trend is the rise of Polish female rappers. Led by exciting new artists like bambi, this genre has grown by almost 5,000% since 2019. Other genres gaining traction include viral pop, dance, trap, and folk.

The work is far from done, but we have a lot to be proud of as we continue on this journey. As we strive to inspire change through action, we’ll continue providing opportunities for women to be at full volume.

Discover the sounds of today’s leading Polish women on EQUAL Polska.

Spotify and ELLE Collaborate in Celebration of Emerging Women in Music

May 2, 2024

Spotify has an unwavering commitment to supporting emerging artists across all genres, to helping them launch and thrive in their careers, and to connecting them with fans across the globe. We are also dedicated to fostering gender equity in the music industry and beyond via our EQUAL Global Music Program.

And now we’ve added another dimension to both initiatives by teaming up with ELLE, the world’s largest fashion magazine and media brand. Together, we’re spotlighting the breakthrough women featured in its May 2024 Music Issue.

“ELLE is both a window that showcases inspiring stories to our readers and a mirror that reflects who we are as a society. That includes the women currently leading the cultural conversation with their music and style,” adds ELLE Editor-in-Chief Nina Garcia. “We are so happy to partner with Spotify on our annual Music Issue and further engage our audience on another platform.”

Follow Spotify and ELLE on Instagram to see exclusive content that captures the stars of the Music Issue, including Tate McRae, Tyla, and girl in red. If you’re in New York City, stroll over to Penn Plaza to see this exclusive content broadcast outside the iconic transit hub.

Finally, we’ve invited ELLE to curate our ‘fit check playlist with a selection of tracks from artists found in the issue.

“We’re so excited to be partnering with ELLE on their 2024 Music Issue and continuing to bridge the worlds of fashion, culture, and music,” said Kimmy Summers, Lead, Spotify Artist Partnerships. “Spotify continuously looks for innovative ways to elevate artists through partnerships that keep music at the forefront. Our collaboration with ELLE allowed us to tap into offerings both on and off the platform, to heighten visibility for each of the artists featured, and engage with fans both old and new.”

ELLE’s Music Issue, with its dazzling cover of Dua Lipa, is on newsstands May 7.

On International Women’s Day, Spotify Celebrates the Impact of Three Years of EQUAL

March 8, 2024

Spotify is dedicated to fostering gender equity in the music industry and beyond. As part of that commitment, we launched our EQUAL Global Music Program in 2021 to amplify and celebrate the work of women creators around the world. Since then, EQUAL has shined a spotlight on women in audio through global partnerships, activations, new content experiences, and on- and off-platform support.

Today, in honor of International Women’s Day, we’re taking a look at how the program has impacted artists around the world.

“We’re incredibly proud of EQUAL’s impact and reach in elevating the careers of artists globally over the last three years,” said Bel Aztiria, Lead, Social and Equity Music Programs at Spotify. “Since its inception, our mission to foster equity for the diverse voices of women in audio has resonated in studios and communities and on stages worldwide. We’re honored to continue collaborating with iconic and emerging artists this year and highlighting women audiobook and podcast creators in our EQUAL hub.”

“On International Women’s Day, we recognize the historical significance and continue championing audio content created by women. We’re committed to elevating the voices and contributions of women all year round.”

EQUAL by the numbers

Through EQUAL, Spotify empowers women creators and gives them a place to share their content with the world year-round. On Spotify, listeners in more than 180 markets can find the EQUAL hub, a space dedicated to this content.

The work is far from done, but we have a lot to be proud of as we continue on this journey. To date, Spotify has added more than 6,900 women artists to EQUAL playlists and supported over 1,000 ambassadors in their home countries and beyond through editorial, partnerships, and marketing.

EQUAL artists received 1.3 billion editorial streams within their first month of joining the program.

In 2023 alone, more than 14.8 million artist discoveries were made through EQUAL playlists, and EQUAL artists received over 11,800 total editorial playlist adds.

EQUAL here, there, and everywhere

With so much incredible talent to highlight and celebrate, EQUAL continues to evolve and expand. Today, the program has a presence in studios, on stages, and in communities around the world.

In 2023, Spotify hosted 15 EQUAL activations—from Buenos Aires to Tokyo, Paris to Sydney, and beyond. These initiatives include our very own EQUAL festivals (30,000 total attendees and counting!), panels, networking and educational opportunities for artists, original content recording, and participation at key industry events such as SXSW and the Grammy Awards.

This year, Mexico’s EQUAL Day aims to inspire the next generation of Mexican female creators with a day of various panels and keynotes with top-tier artists and creators, and a Spotify Masterclass for emerging artists.

“We are keeping the same spirit that made last year’s EQUAL Day so inspiring and relevant, but still bringing something new, like shining a light on women ‘behind the scenes’ and presenting a live performance lineup that shows how powerful and diverse these women are. All of this is part of our continued effort to give more visibility to women artists and creators, and having this physical space to connect and be inspired by each other is so important and necessary.” — Moni Saldaña, Artists and Label Partnerships Manager, Spotify Mexico.

EQUAL also continues to amplify its mission globally through partnerships with organizations like UN Women and Calling All Crows, which champion gender equality and support women creators.

The bigger picture

While there is so much more to be done to close the gender gap in music, a positive shift is unfolding, which underscores the importance of initiatives like EQUAL in driving industry change.

For the fifth consecutive year, Spotify has partnered with the team at the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative (AII) on an annual study of women in music. Published in January 2024, the latest findings demonstrate that women’s participation in the industry has improved across many metrics, with notable increases in women artists’ and songwriters’ representation.

New playlists and a refreshed hub

Celebrate International Women’s Day with Spotify by heading to the EQUAL hub. There, you’ll find our flagship EQUAL Global playlist, which includes Playlist Stories featuring our ambassadors and women artists worldwide. You’ll also find local playlists cocurated by ambassadors, brand-new podcast playlists, and an audiobook shelf (available in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia).

EQUAL Ambassador Bellakath Shows How To Get the World Dancing

November 30, 2023

Since kicking off her music career in 2020, Mexican reggaeton artist Bellakath has emerged as one of the genre’s most exciting new talents. Reaching hundreds of millions of streams well before her debut album Kittyponeo was released in October, she’s given women a strong voice in the reggaeton world with high-energy hits like “Reggaeton Champagne” and “Gatita.” That’s why we’re thrilled to name Bellakath as our November EQUAL Global Artist.

Spotify’s EQUAL Global Music Program started in 2021 with the aim of contributing to gender equity in the music industry by amplifying and celebrating the work of women creators around the world. As a Global Ambassador, Bellakath now sees her face adorning the EQUAL Global and EQUAL México playlists, both of which lead with her track “Reggaeton Champagne.”

Bellakath followed an indirect path to music stardom, as she was studying law before appearing as a contestant on the highly popular reality show Enamorándonos. Propelled by her fame from the show, she launched her music career with the track “Melocoton” featuring Michael G. Her breakthrough moment, however, was when her track “R9 Aleteo” featuring Dj Yaso was adopted as an anthem by the LGBTQIA+ community. An outspoken ally to the community that has embraced her music, Bellakath went on to film the music video for “R9 Aleteo” during Mexico’s San Juan del Rio Pride celebrations.

For the Record caught up with Bellakath to ask her about her inspirations, her process, and advice she’d give other women artists.

The artists who have most inspired me are. . .

Beyoncé and Rihanna, of course.

One piece of advice I’d give women artists is. . .

That they remain perseverant, disciplined, and always pursue their dreams.

One notable moment in my career so far is. . .

When my song “Gatita” broke barriers so Mexican reggaeton could be heard worldwide.

My creative process consists of. . .

Taking a beat that I like and beginning the process of writing on top of it. Usually ideas start to come to me when I’m on the road or traveling in a plane.

One way I’d like to see greater gender equity in the music industry is. . .

To have reggaeton stop being classified as a genre usually reserved for men. Women can also find a space within it to bring our own narrative to the global sound.

An up-and-coming woman artist I’m excited about is. . .

My sister and longtime collaborator DJ FOXY.

My girl-power anthems are. . .

My songs “Fabulosa de Paris” and “Tuma.”

Get ready to move it with Bellakath on our This Is Bellakath playlist.

Top EQUAL Artist INNA Reflects On a Standout Year

November 29, 2023

Today we kicked off 2023 Spotify Wrapped, our annual campaign that celebrates fans and creators worldwide. And as the good vibes keep coming, we look back on a successful year of EQUAL, which included speaking events, festivals, and both local and global playlists featuring a large roster of talented EQUAL ambassadors. We’re thrilled to announce that Romanian superstar INNA is the most-streamed artist within the EQUAL Global playlist in 2023.

In 2020, Spotify created EQUAL, a global initiative that aims to eliminate the existing gender gap in the music industry so that women artists, composers, and producers have the representation and visibility they deserve. Since then, week after week, we’ve been raising the volume on women artists locally and internationally.

Along with being named an EQUAL Global ambassador back in April, INNA had quite a landmark 2023. Her Dhurata Dora and Stefflon Don collaborations for the track “Yummy” pleased fans—as did the release of a 10-song EP of remixes for her revival of the 1997 Sash! hit “Rock My Body.” The house music star also released a two-part studio album, Just Dance #DQH1 and Just Dance #DQH2, which showcases an ambitious new direction in the artist’s career, combining elements of other genres and sounds as part of the Dance Queen’s House project.

For the Record caught up with INNA to talk about being the top EQUAL artist, her Wrapped for Artists insights, and her plans for 2024.

What was your reaction to finding out that you’re this year’s top EQUAL artist?

It was a huge surprise! I want to thank everyone who listens to my music and supports me. It’s an absolute honor to have so many people who are there for me. As an artist, this is the love I need to feel! I’m so happy about this!

How has dance music changed since your debut single, “Hot,” topped the charts in 2009?

There are more and more dance artists in the world now, and a lot of DJs doing dance and EDM songs. It’s an expanding genre that has seen and will continue to see a lot of growth.

I’ve also changed quite a lot. In that time I made it a point to experience different collaborations, genres, and sounds in my music.

What were some of your 2023 highlights?

2023 was such a great year. My collaboration with R3HAB for “Rock My Body” conquered the charts and became a hit. I released a new album, Just Dance, featuring the music I worked on for the Dance Queen’s House project. And, of course, so many concerts. I couldn’t be more grateful for all that’s happened in 2023. Bring it on, 2024! I’m ready for you!

Tell us about Just Dance, which you’ve previously described as a refresh from your past and an important step in your evolution as an artist.

When we started, we were brainstorming, thinking how this album should sound. And overall we felt that we needed a different vibe and a whole new approach, so we changed the dynamic. I’m honestly super excited about how it all came together. The album complements my 2023 tour on the stages of the biggest electro dance festivals in the world.

What insights have you been able to take away from previous years of Artist Wrapped?

My team and I always pay attention to everything to improve our work. We work hard to make the most out of the Artist Wrapped insights to create more and more music that resonates with more people.

Which women artists do you currently have in your On Repeat playlist?

I always have P!nk on repeat, she is fabulous, one of my favorite artists ever. Some other women artists are ROSALÍA, FKA Twigs, Billie Eilish, Dhurata Dora, and SZA.

Going into the New Year, what advice do you have for other artists?

Consistency, focus, creativity, inspiration, and a lot of work are important. Surround yourself with people who share the same vibe as you. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun!

What do you have planned for 2024?

There will be a lot of new music coming in 2024. I’ll be releasing a new album written entirely in Spanish. It’s one of the releases I can’t wait for, because it’s an important part of my work and soul and I’ve been working on it for several years. And of course, I’ll be kicking off a tour in the USA in addition to performing concerts in Mexico and Europe.

Listen to the best of the best from the dance queen herself in our This Is INNA playlist.

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