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Nigerian singer Fave has spoken about what she describes as the different standards male and female artists face in the music industry.
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Speaking on the Afropolitan Podcast, she said female artists are often judged by their appearance, clothing, and bodies instead of their music.
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Fave also discussed the pressure on women to deliver more on stage, as well as the difficulties some female artists face when trying to secure record deals.
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She further spoke about unwanted sexual advances in the industry and the need for greater support for women building careers in music.
September 17, (THEWILL) – Nigerian singer Fave has opened up about the challenges she believes female artists face in the music industry, particularly in Nigeria and across Africa.
Speaking on the Afropolitan Podcast, the singer said women are often judged by their appearance and how they dress instead of their talent and stage presence.
“I think we’re held to very different standards in the industry,” Fave said.
She explained that female artists are often judged by their clothes, body shape and appearance, while their music receives less attention.
Fave said that when she looks at conversations about female artists online, it is “never really about the music” but more about their appearance and how they are perceived.
She also compared the expectations placed on male and female performers, saying women often have to put more effort into their performances.
“I really think that when it comes to performances, female artists do way more,” she said, adding that women bring their best to the stage and often feel the need to prove themselves.
According to Fave, the different standards can leave female artists feeling like they have to do “10 times more” just to be part of the conversation.
The singer also spoke about challenges behind the scenes, including the reluctance of some record labels to sign female artists.
Fave recalled meeting industry figures early in her career who told her, “It’s hard to manage a female artist.”
She said some executives viewed working with women as more difficult and argued that breaking those barriers would require greater support from industry decision-makers.
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She also raised concerns about unwanted sexual advances directed at women trying to gain access to studios or get their work in front of influential figures in the industry.
Fave said these experiences can create additional difficulties for female artists trying to establish themselves and gain opportunities.
Despite the challenges, she said she tries to support other women in music and put female artists on.
She also acknowledged that she is still working to build her own audience and establish herself in the industry.
The comments come during a wider discussion about the experiences of female Afrobeats artists, including visibility, label support, performance expectations, and the challenges of building sustainable careers.
Evi-Ben Ezaga is an entertainment and society writer with a passion for stories that explore culture, people, and the stories shaping society today.
