tg.blk Announced As Spotify’s EQUAL Africa Artist Of The Month

Kenyan rapper, singer, and producer Nyathigi Gatere, widely known as tg.blk, has been announced as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for the month of July.

Hailing from the coastal city of Mombasa, tg.blk has emerged as one of Kenya’s most distinctive voices in alternative hip-hop, recognised for her approach to music-making and a sound that blends raw emotion with creative independence.

Her musical journey began in the solitude of her bedroom, where she experimented with rapping and producing beats using GarageBand. While studying in the United States, she continued to refine her production and songwriting before returning to Kenya, where she has become an influential voice within the country’s growing alternative hip-hop scene.

Since the release of her breakout single Love Being Used in 2021, which captured the attention of listeners across the region and amassed millions of streams, tg.blk has continued to evolve her sound while remaining true to her independent creative vision.

Following the success of her 2024 EP ITS NOT THAT DEEP and tracks such as gin and wine, she continues to push the boundaries of alternative hip-hop, blending rap, lo-fi production, R&B and soul into a sound that is uniquely her own. Her music explores themes of identity, authenticity and self-expression, offering an honest reflection of contemporary youth experiences.

Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme celebrates women artists who are shaping the future of African music by amplifying their voices and connecting them with new audiences across the continent and beyond. Through her creativity, technical independence and artistic perspective, tg.blk embodies the spirit of a new generation of African women redefining the music landscape on their own terms.

“tg.blk represents the fresh, daring and authentic spirit that is propelling the East African alternative music scene forward,” says Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa. “Through the EQUAL programme, we are proud to celebrate her unique artistic perspective, her technical independence as a producer and her inspiring commitment to vulnerability.”

To mark her selection as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artist for July, we caught up with tg.blk to talk about her musical journey, creative process and the experiences shaping her artistry.

Quote/Q&As

1. What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
I used to write fan fiction.

2. When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
I’m still figuring out the destiny part, but I know it makes me incredibly happy whenever I make a song I’m proud of, and that’s why I keep doing it. I’m following my heart, and this is where it has led me.

3. Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
Oliver Mtukudzi, Joseph Kamaru, Brenda Fassie and Ogopa DJs mixes

4. To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
I’d describe my music as a blend of rap, R&B and soul. It’s really chill and textured, and I love experimenting with my voice. It’s the kind of music you listen to on a drive when the weather is beautiful and there’s no need to rush.

5. Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
Give it a chance. You’ll be much happier knowing you tried. You never know what could happen

6. How do you navigate the music space as a woman artist and how does your unique perspective shape your artistry?

I work with people I trust and respect, and I always trust my gut. As a woman, I’m blessed with amazing intuition. Because I believe in myself and what I know, that confidence comes through in my music. It’s where I become the most confident version of myself.

7. A quote from you about your experience navigating the male-dominated world of music and what being a part of the EQUAL programme means to you.

“Now is the time for women musicians. The power is in your hands, and people want to hear from you. The internet has opened up so many opportunities for us. Being part of the EQUAL programme means so much to me because I built so much of my journey online, and I often feel disconnected from opportunities like this. It’s incredibly affirming, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”