This past weekend, the LGBTQIA+ community came together in full force at Johannesburg’s most vibrant hub to celebrate the launch of the Spotify South African GLOW Playlist—a tracklist aimed at celebrating and amplifying LGBTQIA+ artists and creators. Since GLOW launched in January 2023, Spotify has added more than 10,200 LGBTQIA+ artists, showcasing queer talent and promoting their discovery. You can explore the GLOW Playlist here.
A Day of Enlightening Discussions and Celebrations
The day began with a riveting panel discussion, led by Rifumo Mdaka, Content Marketing Manager at Spotify Sub-Saharan Africa, alongside distinguished speakers.
Director, documentary filmmaker, and editor Phybia Dlamini guided guests through a historical journey of South Africa’s queer community, touching on early pioneers from the ’80s to the present day. The conversation highlighted how societal expectations and labels have complicated basic human interactions for the LGBTQIA+ community, emphasizing the impact of history on current struggles and achievements.
Building Community and Raising Awareness
A key takeaway from the discussions was the call for the LGBTQIA+ community to establish its own platforms—spaces focused on mutual support, education, mental health, and upskilling. One participant made a striking appeal regarding corporate responsibility: “It’s time for corporates to treat LGBTQIA+ struggles with the same seriousness they give to social issues like poverty or HIV/AIDS,” challenging companies to go beyond rainbow-colored branding during Pride Month.
Moonga K: A Journey to Authenticity
Spotify GLOW ambassador Moonga K, a musician and songwriter, shared a heartfelt account of their journey towards authenticity. After moving to South Africa, they found their “tribe” and embraced their truth as an artist. “It’s through this community that I found my freedom and the strength to merge social justice with my music,” they stated.
Moonga K’s commitment to amplifying marginalized voices—particularly women, queer, and neurodivergent people—resonated strongly. “My purpose is to amplify the voices of marginalized people… I write truth to power, perform, and connect, so others can feel validated and heard in spaces where they’ve often been silenced.”
Pride in Action: Exhibition and Performances
The day also featured an exhibition that showcased pivotal moments in queer history, serving as a profound reminder of the ongoing struggles and victories within the community. The evening was capped off by electrifying performances from a diverse lineup, including Mr Fagwinter, Rosie Parade, Juran, Womlamb, Lelowhatsgood, and Ms Party, celebrating the spirit of unity, diversity, and the essence of Pride.