Qing Madi: A Rising Star in Nigerian Music Who Pushes Creative Boundaries

Rising star Qing Madi is making waves in the Nigerian music scene, and Spotify has taken notice, naming her the EQUAL Africa Artist for January 2025. This recognition is not a first for Madi, as she previously graced the EQUAL playlist. Spotify Wrapped data for 2024 has further solidified her status, ranking her among the most-streamed female artists in Nigeria with her hit “American Love.”

Qing Madi’s journey into music began at the age of five, and since then, she has been determined to push creative boundaries, showcasing the profound depth of her artistry. Her breakout moment came when her track “See Finish” went viral on social media, captivating listeners and establishing her as a force in the Nigerian music industry.

Her debut album, Qing Madi, was a testament to her unique voice, featuring relatable songs about first loves and the emotional journey of self-discovery. Following this, she released a deluxe version of the album, which featured collaborations with American singer Chloe Bailey and Afrobeats hitmaker Kizz Daniel, further expanding her reach and influence in the industry.

In an interview, Qing Madi shared the driving force behind her musical career: a desire to touch lives through her work. “I realized music was my calling as young as when I was five years old. My WHY for pursuing music is rooted in a deep desire to impact the world positively and touch lives through my art. Music is my way of inspiring, uplifting, and connecting with people on a profound level,” she said.

Her journey has been shaped by various influences, and one of her biggest inspirations is the American rapper Kendrick Lamar, whose lyrical genius and storytelling techniques deeply impacted her. “I grew up listening to Kendrick Lamar, whose artistry and storytelling influenced my creative journey and the way I approach music,” she shared.

When describing her sound, Qing Madi explains that she fuses Afro-Soul, Afro-R&B, and Afro-Pop to create a rich, alternative African sound. “My music is a fusion of Afro-Soul, Afro-R&B, and Afro-Pop—a rich, alternative African sound. It is deeply soulful and resonates with emotions, creating a connection that speaks to the heart and mind.”

As a rising female artist in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Qing Madi has had to learn to work harder than her male counterparts to make her voice heard. “As a female artist, I’ve learned that you need to work a hundred times harder than your male counterparts to have your voice heard,” she said. Her unique perspective, reflected in her music, is one of the factors that set her apart. “My lyrics often incorporate metaphors and layered meanings, allowing listeners to explore deeper emotions and perspectives through my songs.”

Looking ahead, Qing Madi is preparing for the release of her debut LP, The Blueprint, in January 2025, which is expected to further cement her place as one of Nigeria’s most exciting and talented musicians.

With her powerful voice, unique perspective, and relentless work ethic, Qing Madi is undoubtedly on the rise and poised to become one of the key figures in the future of Nigerian music.