Tag: Black podcasters

Spotify Launches the Amplifika Creators Initiative to Empower Black Podcasters in Brazil

In 2021, Spotify launched Amplifika in Brazil as a dedicated program to foster the growth of Black artists and support new voices in music. Through a hub on Spotify, Spotify Singles, educational events, and special collaborations, the program has supported the careers of key figures in the Brazilian music scene including Duquesa, Mc Kadu, Milthinho, Cryzin, Maru2D, and Sued Nunes.

Now we’re building on this legacy. At Spotify, we believe that every creator should have the chance to share their story, and we’re focused on making that possible with the right tools and support. That’s why we’re expanding the program with Amplifika Creators, a new initiative designed to empower the next generation of Black podcasters in Brazil.

A studio—and then some

At the heart of Amplifika Creators is a new podcast studio at Embaixada Preta in São Paulo. Developed in partnership with Feira Preta, an organization that supports Black culture and entrepreneurship in Latin America, this space offers free access to professional-grade audio and video equipment for emerging Black creators, with microphones and headphones donated by Shure.

But the technology is only the beginning. This initiative also includes a mentorship program with established creators like Sofi Oliveira (Colo de amiga por @sofidisse) and Guto Barbosa (Don Podcast); a tailored newsletter with best practices for production and growth; and ongoing support to help build a more inclusive podcasting ecosystem from the ground up.

“Today, video is one of the main entry points for discovering podcasts in Brazil—and Spotify is committed to increasing the presence of Black creators in this space, ensuring they have both the technical resources and visibility they deserve,” said Camila Justo, Spotify’s Head of Podcast in Brazil. “Amplifika Creators is a response to this, offering professional structure and continuous support to transform good ideas into real impact.”

Adriana Barbosa, founder and CEO of the Feira Preta Institute, echoed this sentiment. “It’s not just about recording, it’s about belonging,” she said. “This studio at Embaixada Preta is a territory of creativity, expression, memory, and future-building. Here, technology meets collective affection, and the result is important stories being told by those who live and transform the present.”

Continued commitment

Amplifika Creators joins our portfolio of equity-driven programs including EQUAL and GLOW in music, and Sound Up and our Seu Espaço initiative in podcasting. Seu Espaço is a fully equipped podcast studio in São Paulo that offers free access and professional-grade resources to underrepresented creators. Together, these global initiatives are central to our mission of amplifying diverse creators with more-inclusive narratives. Since 2018, Sound Up has supported creators in more than 12 countries, including Brazil, helping to launch impactful shows like Pavulagem – Contos da Floresta, ZUMBIR, and Calunguinha.

By providing tools, visibility, and a network of support, we’re working to ensure that new voices not only get heard but have the opportunity to thrive.

Building Momentum Around Black Creators in Honor of Black Music Month and Juneteenth

Last June, Spotify celebrated Black Music Month, spotlit the protests around George Floyd’s death, and commemorated Juneteenth on-platform by highlighting the musical and cultural contributions of Black creators throughout history. Over the past year, we’ve continued that conversation on- and off-platform through initiatives like Frequency. And now, as we approach Juneteenth and Black Music Month once again, we’re using the holidays as a checkpoint to ensure we are showing up for Black creators and fans year-round. 

June 19, or Juneteenth, is Emancipation Day in the U.S. The holiday commemorates the start of emancipation for those who had been enslaved in the country. Juneteenth also coincides with Black Music Month, held during the month of June. These two dates mark a historic time for reflecting on and celebrating the contributions, achievements, and impact of the Black community on music and culture. 

However, the work does not end there. Through playlist and podcast curation, Spotify is hoping to encourage music fans to discover, celebrate, and elevate the creative contributions of Black artists on Juneteenth, throughout Black Music Month, and always.

All-Black artist takeovers

Starting on June 18 and continuing through June 24, we’ll be highlighting Black artists exclusively on our flagship New Music Friday playlist in the U.S. and Canada. Additionally, Spotify’s New Music Friday billboards in the U.S. and Canada will be dedicated only to Black artists that day. We’ll also be featuring all Black artists on our Spotify flagship playlists and on the cover art, including favorites like RapCaviar, Are&Be, Today’s Top Hits, ¡Viva Latino!, Mint, Hot Country, POLLEN, Lorem, Ultimate Indie, Indigo, and more.