Spotify has announced its dedicated GLOW South Africa playlist, part of its global GLOW initiative, aimed at celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ artists and creators. This new playlist highlights the platform’s commitment to supporting queer talent in South Africa, not just during Pride Month, but throughout the entire year.
Data from Spotify reveals that South Africans are already embracing the global GLOW playlist, with local streams increasing by 57% year-on-year. Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town have been leading the way, with listeners tuning in to enjoy the diverse voices featured on the playlist. South African queer artists such as Angie oeh, Dee Traits, and Lelowhatsgood have also been spotlighted on the global GLOW playlist, underscoring the strong local representation.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlights the importance of the GLOW programme, saying, “At Spotify, we believe in elevating and supporting LGBTQIA+ voices beyond just Pride Month. This is a core part of who we are as a platform. We’re committed to ensuring that queer artists have the visibility and amplification they deserve, all year round.”
Spotify’s support for the LGBTQIA+ community extends beyond playlists. Recent collaborations, such as an album partnership with queer South African icon Thandiswa Mazwai, demonstrate Spotify’s long-term investment in the country’s queer music scene. The recent Mother of Music event in Cape Town, which featured Vogueing performances and showcases from LGBTQIA+ artists, further reinforced this commitment.
Spotify’s GLOW programme is not just a one-off celebration, but an ongoing effort to ensure LGBTQIA+ creators are honoured and supported every day of the year. The GLOW South Africa playlist marks another significant step in amplifying queer voices in the country’s rich musical landscape.