Ugandan artiste Vinka has been named the Spotify Equal Africa ambassador for the month of October. Equal Africa is an initiative by Spotify with the goal of reducing gender inequality in the music industry and promoting female artists from across the continent. Vinka joins a group of accomplished artists who are known for their strength, talent, and great music, including Makhadzi, Maandy, and Xeniah Manasse.
Vinka’s journey in music began with a childhood exposure to artists like Awilo Longomba and Koffi Olomide, whose music she regularly listened to. She initially entered the music industry as a dancer but later transitioned into artist management. Her love for music grew during her time as an artist manager at a record company.
The decision to switch from managing to performing marked the beginning of a successful music career for Vinka, characterized by a string of hit songs, including “Malaika” and “Thank God.” In 2019, she committed to releasing a new single on the first Friday of every month, demonstrating her dedication to her music and her fans.
Vinka’s musical style transcends genres, often embracing dancehall and other African sounds. She describes her music as catchy, with a unique voice, tone, and vibe. Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, praises Vinka as a testament to Uganda’s vibrant music industry and a female artist who disrupts the music industry with innovative marketing techniques.
Offering advice to aspiring young artists, Vinka emphasizes self-belief, focus, and persistence, underlining the importance of investing time and effort in achieving success. Vinka’s single “Bailando” can be found on the Equal Africa playlist, where her music contributes to the initiative’s mission of promoting gender equality in African music.
