Women Fans Are Powering the Rise of Female Artists in Colombia
In Colombia, the sound of success for female artists is unmistakable, and much of that success is fueled by female fans. According to Spotify data, 58% of listeners of female artists in the country are women, highlighting a vibrant ecosystem where women are championing and elevating one another.
And the momentum is clear: Over the past five years, streams of female artists in Colombia have increased fivefold, while the catalog of songs by Colombian women has grown by 36%. The impact goes far beyond national borders. Globally, Colombian female artists have seen their streams grow 170 times in the last decade, cementing their status as cultural exports who are captivating audiences worldwide.
This remarkable growth reflects a changing industry. As Mia Nygren, Managing Director for Latin America at Spotify, notes: “The industry has evolved greatly in the decade Spotify has been in Latin America, and women’s roles have shifted as well. The numbers reflect this—not only in streams, but also in royalties. Still, we know there’s much more to be done, and that’s why we continue creating spaces and initiatives to promote and spotlight women in music.”
Empowerment Days: Building community in Bogotá
To fuel this momentum and address ongoing challenges, Spotify recently brought these milestones and conversations to the forefront at the third edition of Empowerment Days at Casa Spotify Bogotá. Designed by and for women in the music industry, the event is a cornerstone of Spotify’s global EQUAL initiative. EQUAL, which champions women artists and creators both on- and off-platform, has supported more than 1,200 ambassadors worldwide.
Across two days, managers, producers, artists, and creators gathered to share advice and reflect on the unique challenges women face in music. A highlight was a panel featuring Mia, manager Rebeca León, and singer-songwriter ELENA ROSE, who discussed topics like education, independence, and the importance of financial literacy.
“Education is my top recommendation,” advised ELENA ROSE. “Be across everything, read what you sign, understand every meeting. That way, you’ll avoid mistakes other artists have made.”
León echoed this sentiment, stating, “We need to talk about and understand money. It’s not all about shows or performances. Every creative idea should generate income so you can make a living doing what you love.”
A movement in motion
Empowerment Days wasn’t just about powerful dialogue; it was also a celebration of talent. Alongside the conversations, the event pulsed with live music as EQUAL artists Ysa C, Delfina Dib, and ELENA ROSE took the stage, reinforcing the spirit and energy behind this movement.
And this is just the beginning. Spotify remains committed to fostering and amplifying the voices of women who are not just participating in, but actively shaping, the future of music in Colombia and around the world.
Stream the EQUAL Andes playlist on Spotify to discover music from women artists across the region.
