Why it’s harder for female artists to be successful – Fave

In a recent interview on the Afropolitan podcast, singer Fave, whose real name is Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere, has pointed out the challenges female artists face in the Nigerian music industry. According to the star, success for female musicians isn't solely based on their talent but is also heavily influenced by their appearance.

Fave highlighted that beyond having a good voice, a female artist’s journey to success is often judged by her sex appeal, fashion sense, and overall look. This, she argues, is a problematic standard because women are often held to a different expectation than their male counterparts. Fave noted that male artists are not subjected to the same scrutiny regarding their physical appearance before their music is even considered.

She stated, “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 sexual desires or their fantasies about you.” Fave acknowledges this situation as a disadvantage, but also suggests that female artists manage to overcome these hurdles and sometimes even surpass their male counterparts in terms of success.