Nigerian independent artist gets Spotify spotlight
Preyé, Nigeria’s emerging soul powerhouse, has been selected as Spotify’s Fresh Finds Africa artist for September.
Launched in March 2022, Fresh Finds Africa is designed to provide a launching pad for emerging independent artists to reach new audiences. The programme is built around the eponymous playlist and access to tools and initiatives that inspire artists to have long and thriving careers.
Born in Lagos, Preyé Itams grew up inspired by her father’s music library and the music he would play while working; the traditional sounds of Jazz, Soul, and melodic bards like Jill Scott, Enya, Brenda Fassie, and Lauryn Hill. Her first release in 2015, Mortia introduced her as an exciting voice in the emerging independent alte community.
In 2018, she collaborated with two vanguards of that scene, Tay Iwar & Santi on Space, introducing more fans to her soothing poetic take on songwriting. After quitting a rigid job in Canada to focus on her music, Preyé staked her claim with defiant soulful tunes including Peace Of Mind and Red Wine. The vulnerable yet unyielding essence of Preyé’s music and her dynamic vocals have earned her editorial and fan attention.
In June this year, Billboard listed her hot single, Malibu, as one of their Top R&B finds. She was also recently selected as one of six artists for Spotify’s Africa Month global campaign, called Spotify Sounds of Africa, alongside LADIPOE, Zoë Modiga, Nomfundo Moh, Chris Khaiga, and Nikita Kering.
Inspired by her recent wins, Preyé is thrilled by the opportunity to reach even more fans. “I still celebrate every single playlist addition, so being highlighted as Spotify’s Fresh Finds artist of the month truly feels amazing. I’m excited by the opportunity to share my music and story with new listeners, especially all my fellow R&B lovers,” the soul singer says.
Her September-released debut EP, Don’t Look Down, centers around love and self-discovery and features Nigerian rapper LADIPOE on the lead single, Love, Today. The budding songstress is unburdened as she sings about finding and loving herself and the people around her.
Every month, Fresh Finds Africa spotlights one artist selected by the Spotify Music team. It is an important aspect of Spotify’s initiatives, including RADAR & EQUAL, created to support the African music scene.