Spotify, a global streaming platform, says it has donated to ‘Vibrate Space’, a non-profit organization helping young Ghanaian music entrepreneurs with the tools and skills to thrive in the industry.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, in a statement on Tuesday, said the donation was from Spotify’s ‘Creator Equity Fund’, to support emerging artists in Ghana.
Okumu noted that Vibrate Space, which is operated by Surf Ghana in Accra, is a community recording studio and music business program, offering education, mentorship, and space to young Ghanaian artists, so that they can create, connect and collaborate.
“Since Spotify’s arrival in Africa five years ago, we have worked to identify opportunities to support artists in ways that speak directly to each of our markets.
“The partnership with Vibrate allows us to continue supporting emerging artists and cultural entrepreneurs in Ghana in addition to the on-platform work we are doing in the country.
“Spotify first partnered with Vibrate in September 2022 with a donation that facilitated the launch of the studio.
“Over the past six months, Vibrate has registered over 200 studio bookings, and hosted many more creators for events and classes.
“To help Vibrate achieve its robust plans to grow and support the creative economy in Ghana, Spotify is making a sizeable donation from its Creator Equity Fund which will be administered over multiple years,” she said.
Also, Joe Hadley, Spotify’s Global Head of Artiste and Audience Partnerships said “Spotify is proud to continue our efforts to support and uplift creatives with our Creator Equity Fund.
“I am excited to share that from that fund we are announcing a donation to the Vibrate Space in Accra, Ghana.
“They have been incredible partners to us; continually pouring into the local community and creating a space where artists can come together to grow creatively.
“We are looking forward to hearing the music, stories, and success that will come out of Vibrate.”
Hadley noted that the donation would be administered over multiple years, enabling the organization to collaborate with and support even more aspiring young artists who seek to kick-start their careers.
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He said Vibrate’s plans to use the additional funding for artiste support include a festival at the space, to be held at the end of the year.
He explained that the plan also entailed supporting artists to put on their own events and establishing a youth hostel, where young people could find affordable, short-term accommodation while also experiencing the collaborative and community aspects of Vibrate.
“The organization is also looking to establish an artiste in residency and exchange program to fuel creativity, collaboration, and cultural exchange, as well as a women’s program aimed at supporting women’s growth in the industry.
“They also intend to expand their educational offerings, by extending their highly successful monthly masterclasses for another two years
“Also introducing a three-month instrument learning program, starting with piano lessons and expanding into other instruments,” he said.
Managing Director for Spotify Sub Saharan Africa, Jocelyne Muhutu-Remy, said, “Spotify is constantly seeking new and innovative ways to promote African music, celebrate and support its creators.
“We see ourselves as a global platform with a local focus and we really drill down to understand what is happening across the continent, and how we can support both artists and users in those markets.
“Our partnership with Vibrate is one way that we are doing this in Ghana, but we have plans and projects in place to support artists both on and off platforms across the region.”
Founder and Director of Surf Ghana, Sandy Alibo, said: “We are happy to be partnered with Spotify. They are really supportive of the alternative scene and not every brand understands that.
“We work with young, and emerging artists and creators who are looking to make a mark in the music industry and Spotify is a brand that speaks to young people, and has played a significant role in taking African and Ghanaian music to the world.”
A number of Ghanaian artists have been beneficiaries of Spotify programs, aimed at showcasing local artists on a global stage and increasing discoverability.
These include Black Sherif, who is a Spotify RADAR artiste, Amaarae, Moliy, and Gyakie, who have both been EQUAL Ambassadors and Kofee Bean is a Fresh Finds artiste.
Sincerely Accra, a Ghanaian podcast, was also named as one of 13 African podcasts to receive a share of Spotify’s 100,000 dollars in 2022.
