South African pop sensation Demi Lee Moore has been named Spotify EQUAL Africa’s Artist for March 2025, celebrating her remarkable contributions to the Afrikaans music scene.
This recognition places her among an elite group of female artists championed by Spotify’s global initiative, which aims to amplify women’s voices in the music industry through mentorship, networking, and exposure.
Moore is the first South African artist to be featured in this year’s EQUAL Africa programme, an indication to her rising influence. Her latest album, Mis Eet Slaap Herhaal, quickly achieved Gold status, selling over 15,000 copies within just two weeks. Her journey to stardom began in 2018 when she won Die Kontrak, a highly competitive music contest that started with over 2,000 participants.
Reflecting on the honor, Moore expressed her excitement:
“Being a part of the EQUAL campaign means the world to me. To be in a position to inspire women in the industry and young girls with big dreams is such a blessing!”
Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, echoed this sentiment, stating;
“Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme is dedicated to empowering female voices in Africa, spotlighting artists who continue to push boundaries. Demi Lee exemplifies the calibre of talent we aim to support, and we are proud to amplify her voice to a global audience.”
In an exclusive conversation, Moore shared insights about her passion for music, personal inspirations, and navigating the industry as a female artist.
On surprising facts about her: “I absolutely love cooking, adore my dogs, and enjoy wakeboarding. Before fully pursuing music, I worked as an air hostess and later became a nail technician while climbing the ranks in the music industry.”
On her musical destiny: “I’ve had a deep connection with music since childhood, performing in theatre and school productions. Music and being on stage have always given me a sense of fulfillment. My philosophy is simple—why not? If I can make someone feel something, uplift them, or help them through dark moments, I know I’m fulfilling my purpose.”
Musical influences from Africa: “Mango Groove had a huge impact on me. I always wanted to play with a band, and one of my first experiences was performing a Mango Groove medley. Growing up, my musical world was largely shaped by Afrikaans artists.”
On defining her sound: “My music has evolved over the years, but a country influence remains constant. I keep my sound organic yet contemporary, blending pop elements with country roots. My latest album even experiments with jazzy saxophone touches while staying true to my style.”
Advice for aspiring artists: “Believing in yourself is key. If you don’t believe in yourself, how will you convince others to?”
Navigating the industry as a female artist: “The music industry is male-dominated, but confidence in your purpose is crucial. Being a woman is my superpower—I connect deeply with female listeners and inspire young women to embrace who they are. I only release music that resonates with me and carries a message I stand by.”
On being a ‘doer’ in the industry: “There’s a Jane Fonda quote I love: ‘There are watchers in this world and there are doers. The watchers sit around watching the doers, do.’ We need to be both—learn, observe, and then take action. Success comes from putting in the work and staying focused on your purpose.”
With this latest recognition from Spotify, Demi Lee Moore is set to inspire even more fans and fellow artists across Africa and beyond.
In other news, In a landmark achievement for Nigerian music, royalties generated by Nigerian artists on Spotify have surpassed ₦58 billion in 2024, marking a staggering increase of more than 100% compared to 2023, and a fivefold jump from 2022. This significant milestone is featured in Spotify’s much-anticipated 2024 Loud & Clear report, released today.
READ MORE: Nigerian Artists on Spotify Earn Record-Breaking Royalties, Surpassing ₦58 Billion in 2024
