Nigerian artist Ayra Starr is the first cover star on Apple Music’s Alpha playlist, which was released throughout Africa.
The playlist will showcase the contributions of female musicians from all around the continent to various genres. A new African female musician will be featured on Apple Music every week.
According to Ayra Starr, the program gave women in music “inclusion, a win, and more visibility.” The acknowledgment, she continued, was important for artists whose work is frequently disregarded.

Additionally, she gave encouragement to up-and-coming female musicians, saying, “Don’t be afraid of failing, don’t be ashamed to rebuild.” Continue rebranding and reinventing yourself until you get it just right. The concept of perfection is an illusion, therefore don’t hold onto it.

The first release in the playlist is Starr’s most recent track, “Hot Body,” which was produced by Ragee and the Elements.

Nigerian upstart Salle and Ghanaian R&B and Afro-Fusion vocalist Gyakie are among the other performers. Salle said the playlist “offers a platform where we can finally shine on our own terms,” while Gyakie called Alpha “an important spotlight on the incredible music women across Africa are already creating.”