Challenges Female Nigerian Artists Face: Insights From Singer Fave

According to Afrobeats singer Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere, better known by her stage name Fave, female musicians in Nigeria face extra difficulties because they are frequently evaluated based on criteria other than their musical ability.

In a recent episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, Fave stated that before their music is taken into consideration, female artists are frequently evaluated based on their appearance, attire, and s*x appeal.

She claimed that the circumstances put pressure on female artists to live up to certain standards regarding their physical appearance.

In her words:“It is harder for female artists to blow. Female artists aren’t measured by talent but by what they wear. If your tummy isn’t flat… It is never really about the music; it is more about people’s s*xual desires or their fantasies about you.

“And I think that right there is a problem, because it becomes more about how decently you are dressed before people listen to you. But when it comes to men, they aren’t held to that same standard.”

Singer Face might have a point; indeed, women are often not at the receiving end of fairness and opportunities. Society tends to favor men more than women, which can create additional obstacles for female artists striving to succeed. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward fostering a more equitable industry where women have equal chances to thrive and be celebrated.