Nigerian singer and songwriter Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere, professionally known as Fave, has shed light on the systemic challenges women face in the country’s music scene. Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, the breakout star asserted that female musicians face a much steeper hill to climb than their male counterparts, primarily because their success is rarely measured by musical talent alone.
The Battle of Sex Appeal vs. Talent
According to Fave, the audience and industry stakeholders often prioritize a female artist’s looks, fashion choices, and physical appeal before they even listen to her music. She lamented that these superficial expectations distort how women’s art is received, reducing talented vocalists to objects of fantasy.
“It is harder for female artists to blow,” Fave explained during the podcast. “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 sexual desires or their fantasies about you.”
A Glaring Double Standard
Fave pointed out a stark contrast in how male artists are treated, noting that men are largely exempt from the rigorous aesthetic and physical standards imposed on women. She argued that the industry’s obsession with a female singer’s modesty or sexiness creates unnecessary barriers to entry and sustained success.
“I think that right there is a problem, because it becomes more about how decently you are dressed before people listen to you,” Fave remarked. “But when it comes to men, they aren’t held to that same standard.”
Rising Above the Obstacles
Despite the uneven playing field and societal pressures, Fave remains proud of the resilience shown by her peers. She concluded her thoughts by asserting that, despite the disadvantageous landscape of the Nigerian music industry, female creators consistently deliver exceptional work, often outperforming their male counterparts on sheer merit.