Being a female artiste in Africa is akin to a chess game, where your opponent moves freely while you must submit a formal request before making your next move.
Women are compelled to work twice as hard and prove their worth five times over, yet whispers persist, questioning their success: “She must have a sponsor!”
In stark contrast, when a male artiste showcases his achievements, such as purchasing a yacht, the world erupts in praise: “The grind never stops!”
The music industry often claims to be equitable, but if it were a football match, men would enjoy the entire field while women struggle barefoot on gravel.
Record labels, event organizers, and sponsors routinely offer male artistes lucrative deals, prime-time slots, and generous budgets, leaving female artistes lucky if they are not mistaken for backup dancers.
When a woman finally breaks through, the applause is often tainted with skepticism. Compliments like “She’s talented” are rare, while comments questioning her success—“Who’s funding her?” or “She got lucky because she’s pretty”—are all too common.
After all, creating hit songs and spending sleepless nights in the studio is frequently seen as a male-dominated endeavor.
Fashion standards are also skewed. A male artiste can show up in casual attire, and he’s considered “authentic.” Conversely, a female artiste must appear as if she has just walked off the red carpet, complete with flawless makeup and designer clothing, yet if she looks too polished, critics accuse her of using her looks to get ahead. It’s a no-win scenario.
The Billionaire Boyfriend Theory
When a female artiste purchases a new car, social media immediately transforms into a sleuthing community, dissecting who funded it. “Who bought it?” “It must be a politik.” “Her producer is probably her boyfriend.”
Meanwhile, if a male artiste showcases a new mansion, the only refrain is: “Hard work pays off!” No one questions the origins of his financial windfall.
The double standards present in the industry are so blatant they warrant their own awards category.
Financing a female artiste’s career can feel like trying to fill a leaking bucket. Investors perceive male artistes as “serious business” while viewing women as “risky investments.” Moreover, many face exploitation from managers who think financial support should come with unethical expectations.
A considerable number of talented women are leaving the industry—not due to a lack of ability, but from the exhaustion of battling for a place at a table predominantly occupied by men.
Addressing the Inequities
The African music industry has seen progress, yet some antiquated attitudes require urgent rethinking:
Let’s celebrate female artistes and their achievements without skepticism. Can we acknowledge their hard work instead of always searching for secret benefactors?
If she is filling arenas and topping charts, she deserves equal opportunities and deals as her male counterparts.
We should also normalize celebrating accomplishments rather than prying into personal lives with questions about financial backing.
Additionally, increasing the presence of women in influential roles, such as producers, managers, and label executives, is essential to effect real change.
Let’s support, not scrutinize. Rather than speculating about their success, stream their music, purchase their merchandise, and attend their concerts.
Ultimately, talent should determine success. A female artiste’s achievements should be based on her skills, irrespective of her relationship status.
The next time you witness a female artiste achieving success, focus not on “Who’s behind her?” but rather on “Where can I buy her album?”
