Kenyan Afro-rising singer, songwriter, producer, and performer Njerae has been selected as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa ambassador for June, marking another milestone in her steadily rising musical journey. Known for her rich, introspective style and lyrical depth, Njerae brings a refreshing and deeply human voice to the continent’s vibrant music scene.
Describing her sound as “soulful and refreshing, like a breath of fresh air,” Njerae’s music is born from personal introspection and the social realities she has lived through. Her songs offer listeners space to breathe, reflect, and connect—echoing her own journey from silence to self-expression.
Music as Healing
Njerae’s musical journey began in quiet rebellion. Naturally introverted, she turned to writing and poetry as a way of making sense of the world. One pivotal moment was born out of national tragedy—after a terrorist attack on a public matatu.
“There was a lot of terrorism in the country. I remember a bomb that went off in a matatu. That was the first time I wrote something—I just had to,” she recalls. “It wasn’t even a song, just poetry. But it was something.”
This therapeutic outlet gradually morphed into songwriting as she learned to play the guitar, finding her voice through music.
“I had specific things I didn’t know how to tell people, and it was only through music I could do so. That is my reason,” she explains.
Inspired by Women Who Play
Njerae credits African acts like Sauti Sol and especially Phy for showing her what was possible.
“Phy was the first African woman I saw playing guitar on stage, singing sad love songs people loved,” she says. “Her song ‘Taboo’ pushed me to join Sauti Academy, and now I’m here.”
Through their influence, she carved out a unique style—grounded in African rhythms but shaped by her personal storytelling.
Pushing Past Stereotypes
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Njerae is undeterred.
“Me being a woman should not stop anyone from listening to my music, and it shouldn’t stop me from living the same dream another male artist is living,” she says. “It’s just a matter of knowing your values and upholding them.”
Her resilience extends to criticism as well.
“People said my music was too wordy or too white, but I ignored them. It’s my dream, and only I know why it matters.”
For those hesitant to pursue their dreams, she offers grounded wisdom:
“If you’re dreading it, is it really your dream? Nothing good comes easy,” she says with a laugh.
Spotlight Through EQUAL Africa
As the EQUAL Africa ambassador, Njerae joins a growing cohort of women artists from across the continent being celebrated for their artistry, courage, and authenticity. Spotify’s EQUAL programme amplifies the voices of women in music, providing them with global exposure and support to challenge systemic gender inequalities in the industry.