Since her arrival on the Nigerian music scene, Qing Madi, the multi-talented songwriter and entertainer has captivated fans with her craft as she gets recognised as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Ambassador for the month of June.
For Qing Madi, born Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, music has been her only calling and her artistic genius was evident when she launched her career at the early age of seven. At 16, she released See Finish, a record that highlighted her abilities and has made her a rising star to watch.
Heavily influenced by her cultural background and the lyrical arrangements of Kendrick Lamar, the versatile Nigerian prodigy is shaping the future of music with her unique genre-bending fusion of Afrobeats, Pop, Soul and R&B.
She took the Nigerian music industry by storm when See Finish went viral on social media and caught the attention of listeners. While Qing Madi is currently working on her debut EP, she released a follow-up single Why which further showcased her genre-bending ability as she combined smooth R&B vocal texture, Dancehall cadence, and Afrobeats melodies and lyrics to create an infectious song.
Qing Madi joins other Nigerian artists, Tiwa Savage, Ayra Starr, Asa, and FAVE as part of EQUAL Africa, which aims to spotlight and amplify the voices of talented female artists making waves in the music scene. In addition, it amplifies their music by exposing their catalogue to global listenership.
“We are proud to welcome Qing Madi to the EQUAL programme, and we’re so excited to see how her talent continues to take her from strength to strength. We hope by shining a light on talent like hers, we can inspire a new generation of creators,” says Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.
To the recognition, Qing Madi says, “As a female artiste in a male dominated industry, I have to work a million times harder to be seen and heard. Being part of the EQUAL programme is an opportunity as a female to be visible globally and to grow my fanbase.”
Qing Madi is positioned to be the next young African female artiste to take her music to a global audience.
COUTURE QUICKFIRE
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
That I am bilingual. I speak Spanish and Igbo as someone that was born, bred and raised in Nigeria. I am also currently learning Mandarin. One more thing, I am obsessed with learning to the point where I do it unintentionally.
When did you realise that making music was your destiny?
Music for me wasn’t just a talent or an ability that I had. It was not something that I was just able to do, it was a life I wanted to live. A feeling that I wanted to express. Music is my shallow thoughts spoken loudly. It is my comfortable and confident space as a teenager. I knew it was my destiny from the first time I climbed on stage and held the microphone at seven years old. Something about being in charge of millions of people and being heard.
What is your Why?
My why is easy. Growing up antisocial, it has been hard to justify my feelings and emotions, and music was a safe haven for me, and I believe so many people are still seeking theirs. As a 16-year-old teen, I want to be who they listen to when they seek peace.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
Tiwa Savage, Davido, Burna Boy and Wande Coal.
How would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
Afro, R&B, and a limitless sense of emotion.
Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
Deafen your ears to the crowd and begin. Nothing begins unless you just start.