MaWhoo Announced As Spotify EQUAL Africa Ambassador For July

South African singer and songwriter MaWhoo has stepped into her power, having been crowned Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Ambassador for July 2025.  She joins a growing list of African women who are shaping the sound of now.

MaWhoo earned widespread acclaim for her soulful, spiritual sound that blends amapiano rhythms with deeply rooted Zulu influences. Her emotive vocal style and powerful storytelling have made her a standout voice in South Africa’s music scene, with collaborations alongside leading artists such as DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and Sam Deep.

The EQUAL Africa initiative is part of Spotify’s broader commitment to spotlighting women creators and driving equity in the music industry by providing tools and resources to promote gender parity

“When you’re selected for something like this, it means your name is being mentioned in rooms even when you’re not there,” MaWhoo said. “It speaks to the growth of my career from being overlooked to now being recognised on such a powerful platform. I’m grateful and deeply honoured.”

When asked about her experience navigating the male-dominated world of music and what being a part of the EQUAL programme means to her, she stated the following:

"As a woman, even beyond the music industry, there are challenges that we face. We are subjected to being wanted and approached by men promising us love or looking for intimacy, even in professional settings. As women, learn to stand your ground and say no. Teach people to respect you and your decisions. Don't do things because you want to please others and want to be favoured, don’t sell your soul."

"I believe that when you are selected for anything, it means you are doing something right. It makes me happy, it means my name comes up in rooms even when I’m not there. It means there are people who think and consider me for such opportunities. It also speaks to the growth of my career over the years. When I first started I was a nobody, no one believed in me, including my own family, because they were of the traditional belief of going to school and maybe becoming a teacher. But I persisted and pushed. I'm grateful and thankful for being recognised for such an important programme."