DBN Gogo’s year on Spotify just got even more interesting, first announced as part of mint’s Artists To Watch for 2024 alongside Uncle Waffles, HoneyLuv, and others, to now EQUAL Africa’s March Ambassador. She is the only artist in Africa so far to hold the EQUAL Africa ambassadorship twice, a testament to her blossoming career.
Spotify has added more than 6,900 women artists to EQUAL playlists and supported over 1,000 ambassadors in their home countries including South Africa where the March ambassador DBN Gogo is from. This support has ranged from editorial to partnerships, and marketing.
“How we show up on the continent for women and how we tell their stories is a priority for us, and artists such as DBN Gogo are presenting positive narratives locally and to the world through EQUAL Africa”, says Monica Kemoli-Savanne, Spotify’s Artist & Label Partnerships Manager for East Africa.
EQUAL artists received 1.3 billion editorial streams within their first month of joining the program. In total, the EQUAL hub has generated over 31 billion editorial streams across 1 billion listening hours. In 2023 alone, more than 14.8 million artist discoveries were made through EQUAL playlists, and EQUAL artists received over 11,800 total editorial playlist adds.
DBN Gogo is a force to be reckoned with, holding her own in the space. Off from an energy-packed set at the Bacardi Holiday Club this past weekend, she said “Being a part of the EQUAL Africa program is something I am truly grateful for. Being recognized and celebrated as one of the many women pioneering in SA music is an honour. The industry being male-dominated just exists as a fact in my world, not a barrier to entry. I have set my own standard.”
We sat down with DBN Gogo to learn more about her music;
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
The one thing I think some fans might know but not many is that I can sing. I have actually sung on a few songs, some of which were my own.
When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
I realised pretty early in my life that music would be a big part of it. Maybe not DJing exactly but it just came naturally to me. I love being in a position to be able to express myself through music.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to all the SA greats, Boom Shaka, Thebe, Jimmy Dludlu, Malaika. The influence of kwaito and Afro-pop is quite heavy in the present dance and Amapiano genre.
To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
My style is quite diverse, I wouldn’t say it’s one thing. A mixture of Amapiano, 3 step with Gqom as well. I like to experiment.
Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
Don’t overthink it. Only you know whether you are doing it right or wrong by your standards. Be confident and trust yourself.
Check out DBN Gogo’s latest single NGEKE on the EQUAL Africa playlist. High resolution images are HERE.
