SPOTIFY MAKES SPACE FOR GHANA

Spotify has committed to a sizable donation to Vibrate Space, a nonprofit dedicated to educating aspiring young Ghanaian musicians and music entrepreneurs. The contribution from Spotify's Creator Equity Fund will provide support over the next three years.

Operated by Accra's Surf Ghana, Vibrate Space is a community recording studio and music-business program offering education, mentorship and creative space. Spotify initially partnered with the org last September when it facilitated the launch of the studio. Over the past six months, Vibrate has logged more than 200 studio bookings and hosted a slew of creators for events and classes.

Spotify's latest donation was announced during an event at Surf Ghana by Spotify Global Head of Artist and Audience Partnerships Joe Hadley, who said, “Spotify is proud to continue our efforts to support and uplift creatives with our Creator Equity Fund. Vibrate Space has been an incredible partner to us, continually pouring resources into the local community and creating a place where artists can come together to grow. We’re looking forward to hearing the music and stories that come out of Vibrate.”

Spotify Head of Music for Sub Saharan Africa Phiona Okumu added, “Since Spotify’s arrival in Africa five years ago, we've worked to identify opportunities to support artists in ways that speak directly to each of our markets. Our partnership with Vibrate allows us to continue supporting emerging artists and cultural entrepreneurs in Ghana in addition to the on-platform work we are doing in the country.”

Vibrate’s plans include a festival at the space; an artist-in-residency and exchange program to fuel creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange; and a women’s program aimed at supporting women’s advancement in the industry. It also intends to extend its monthly master classes for another two years and introduce a three-month music-lesson program, starting with piano.

Seen in the photo reveling in the fact HITS isn't distributed anywhere in Africa are (l-r) Surf Ghana founder and director Sandy Ailbo, Okumu, Hadley and Ghanaian artist Ansah.