Ugandan Alté Rhymes and Blues artiste, Donald Otim, popularly known as “MAUIMØON”, has emerged Spotify’s Fresh Finds Africa artiste for February.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.
“MAUIMØON and his music represented a defiant, exciting variety of artistry and we are eager to support him on this phase of his journey and further share his talent with the world.
“Every month, Fresh Finds Africa spotlights one artiste selected by the Spotify music team.
“It is an important aspect of Spotify’s initiatives, including RADAR and EQUAL, created to support the African music scene,” she said.
Okumu said that Fresh Finds Africa programme launched in March 2022 was designed to provide a launching pad for emerging independent artistes to reach new audiences.
She said the programme was built around the eponymous playlist, access to tools and initiatives that inspire artistes to have long and thriving careers.
“With sonic influences steeped in MAUIMØON’s African roots. He is transforming the local scene by tapping into a variety of influences- R and B, Afropop and Hip Hop with no geographical boundaries,” she said.
MAUIMØON, eager to leave a legacy that outlives his music, said, “For me, having a legacy is creating unforgettable moments, memories and feelings in other people’s lives and at different times of their lives.
“It also means helping my community and changing the lives of others who have not been as privileged as myself.”
The Ugandan-born artiste first became intrigued by music at the age of 11, drawing inspiration from avant-garde creators like Pharrell, Missy Elliot and Timbaland.
MAUIMØON made his first public foray into music with the release of DRIVE and TOO REAL, in 2019.
After a short break necessitated by the global pandemic, the smooth-voiced singer announced himself the following year with the release of PLEASURE EP, a collection of slow, easy and cosy R&B-fusion records that evoked the same feeling as the title.
The eclectic nature of the records helped to earn the singer a dedicated and expectant fanbase.
Following a string of singles including 2022’s ‘Here They Come’, MAUIMØON secured his place in the conversation with the release of Sweeta, a fan favourite that was also among his most streamed records yet.
Since then, the singer had struck a fruitful chord with his producer alias, La Soulchyld, giving birth to Cherry Sweet, a 2022 release that was billed as the lead single from his forthcoming project, “From Uganda with Love”, due for release in February.
