Uganda’s Vinka steps into Spotify Equal spotlight

Chart-topping Ugandan artist Vinka has been named spotify’s Equal Africa ambassador for October. 

Equal Africa is an initiative by Spotify aimed at reducing gender inequality in the music industry and highlighting female artists from across the continent. Vinka joins a cohort of outstanding artists characterised by strength, talent, and great music, such as Makhadzi, Maandy, and Xeniah Manasse, just to name a few.  

Vinka’s introduction to music started with artists such as Awilo Longomba and Koffi Olomide, whose music was played regularly while she was growing up. She later entered the music industry as a dancer, a career she soon left behind for artist management.  

“When I started working as an artist manager at the record company, I fell in love with music and took it when my opportunity came,” she says. 

The switch from technical riders to the mic was the start of a thriving music career in which Vinka has produced hit after hit, with songs like Malaika and Thank God showcasing her artistry. 

Her commitment to her music and to her fans was also made clear during her 2019 campaign to release a new single on the first Friday of every month that year. 

Not one to be pigeonholed by genre, Vinka leans into dancehall and other African sounds. She describes her music as being catchy with a unique voice, tone and vibe. 

Spotify head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu says: “Vinka is testament to Uganda’s vibrant and thriving music industry and she is a prime example of a female artist on the continent disrupting the music industry with her unorthodox and innovative music marketing techniques.”

Sharing her advice for aspiring young artists, Vinka says: “They have to believe in themselves, stay focused and never stop. You have to invest your time and sweat to make it work.” 

Check out Vinka’s single, Bailando on the Equal Africa playlist.