Spotify is celebrating five years of EQUAL with five brand-new Spotify Singles, bringing together Namasenda, badmómzjay, MARO, Willow Avalon and Shekhinah to reinterpret iconic songs by legendary women in music.
Spotify is marking the five-year anniversary of EQUAL, its global initiative dedicated to amplifying and supporting women in music, with a special collection of five Spotify Singles.
The limited-edition series brings together artists from Europe, North America and Africa, with each artist putting their own spin on an iconic track by a woman who has influenced their creative journey.
The five new Spotify Singles are available to stream now, with the collection celebrating the connections between generations, cultures and musical styles.
Namasenda Covers Britney Spears’ ‘Lucky’
Swedish artist Namasenda takes on Britney Spears’ iconic 2000 single ‘Lucky’, creating a full-circle moment for the contemporary pop artist.
Namasenda previously referenced the song in her 2021 track ‘☆ feat. Oklou’ and performed her own interpretation of ‘Lucky’ at the 2025 Denniz Pop Awards.
Known for her experimental approach to pop, Namasenda has developed a distinctive sound through releases with PC Music and YEAR0001. Her latest album, Limbo, combines euphoric pop production with a more emotionally vulnerable side.
Speaking about the new Spotify Single, Namasenda said:
“For me, ‘Lucky’ has always been one of the most powerful pop ballads ever written. It balances glitter and sorrow in a way I try to do in my own music.”
She added that recording her own version as part of EQUAL’s anniversary celebrations felt particularly special.
badmómzjay Reimagines Rihanna’s ‘Rehab’
German rapper badmómzjay puts her own spin on Rihanna’s ‘Rehab’, bringing her emotionally honest and genre-defying style to the mid-2000s hit.
At just 23, the artist has become one of Germany’s most recognisable contemporary rap voices, with her music exploring themes including identity, vulnerability, self-acceptance and empowerment.
Her upcoming third studio album, Haus im Meer, is set to arrive alongside a major German tour this autumn.
For badmómzjay, Rihanna’s ‘Rehab’ was an obvious choice because of its message of independence and self-empowerment.
“It’s about a woman taking her power back and refusing to let love break her down again and choosing herself instead,” she explained.
The artist also paid tribute to Rihanna, describing the original as “something so powerful” and saying she hopes her version can do its legacy justice.
MARO Puts a New Spin on ROSALÍA’s ‘Sauvignon Blanc’
Portuguese singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist MARO turns her attention to ROSALÍA’s ‘Sauvignon Blanc’, giving the track an intimate and atmospheric reimagining.
MARO has built an international following through her intricate songwriting, vocal arrangements and genre-spanning approach, incorporating elements of folk, pop and jazz into her music.
Her choice of ‘Sauvignon Blanc’ also carries a cultural connection, with MARO highlighting the longstanding musical and cultural links between Portugal and Spain.
“It also felt like a meaningful choice to record a song by a Spanish artist, given the many cultural and musical links between Portugal and Spain,” MARO said.
Willow Avalon Takes on Carly Simon’s ‘You’re So Vain’
US country and Americana artist Willow Avalon puts a fresh spin on Carly Simon’s legendary ‘You’re So Vain’.
Avalon has quickly emerged as one of Nashville’s most exciting new voices, blending classic country, Americana and pop with sharp songwriting and a rebellious edge.
Originally from Georgia, Avalon taught herself guitar at 12 and has since performed at major events including the Grand Ole Opry, Stagecoach, C2C and Lollapalooza.
She has also shared stages with major artists including Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan and Zach Bryan.
Explaining why she chose ‘You’re So Vain’, Avalon said:
“It’s a sassy song I grew up on that made me wanna write sassy songs.”
While her own music sits in a different genre to Carly Simon’s, Avalon says the attitude and tone of the original continue to influence her songwriting.
Shekhinah Honours Lebo Mathosa With ‘I Love Music’
South African star Shekhinah completes the collection with a new interpretation of Lebo Mathosa’s ‘I Love Music’.
The track pays tribute to one of South Africa’s pioneering women performers, whose influence continues to be felt across the country’s music scene.
Shekhinah, who was born in Durban and first rose to prominence through Idols South Africa, has become one of the country’s leading pop and R&B artists.
Her platinum-certified debut album Rosegold helped establish her as a major voice, followed by projects including Trouble In Paradise, Less Trouble and Love On Repeat Vol. 1.
For Shekhinah, recording ‘I Love Music’ was an opportunity to honour Mathosa’s legacy while celebrating the women continuing to shape the future of South African music.
“Lebo Mathosa is one of the artists who helped shape what it means to be a powerful woman performer in South Africa,” Shekhinah said.
Spotify’s EQUAL Celebrates Five Years
Launched in 2021, Spotify EQUAL has grown into a global programme designed to increase the visibility and discovery of women artists and creators.
The initiative has now expanded to more than 40 markets, supported more than 1,400 ambassadors and generated more than 50 billion editorial streams for participating artists, according to Spotify.
Over the past five years, EQUAL has spotlighted artists including Tyla, Lola Young, Jorja Smith and Halsey, alongside thousands of women artists from around the world.
Spotify says the programme provides artists with editorial support, original content, marketing and increased global visibility.
Bel Aztiria, Global Music Program Lead at Spotify, said the new Spotify Singles are a fitting way to mark the programme’s milestone.
“Music has the power to connect cultures, generations and communities, and we’re proud to play a role in amplifying exceptional women artists across borders.”
The five new releases will also be supported through Spotify’s global EQUAL playlist, editorial programming and the platform’s global and local social channels.
Listen to the New Spotify Singles
The new Spotify Singles are available to stream now, giving fans the chance to hear five contemporary artists reinterpret some of the most recognisable songs created by women in music.
You can explore Spotify’s EQUAL hub for more music celebrating women artists and creators.
