May 2017 theme: Women in African music

2 May 2017 - 16:08

Published under the Creative Commons Licence

Women are still facing many challenges in the African music industry. Although some strides have been made when it comes to female representation in music, there is still a host of cultural and structural snags that prevent women from expressing their talents without fear of oppression. As such, many women still have to go through an unbreakable patriarchy where they are expected to forgo their beliefs and morals for a shot at a professional musical career – whether it be to sing, play and instrument or enter senior positions in the industry.

Beninese singer Angélique Kidjo is one of Africa's most well known female musicians.

With the arts also being frowned upon in many African communities, young women are oftentimes vehemently prevented from even contemplating a career in music: they are either told that music is only fit for wayward individuals or that there’s no future for them unless they wholly shroud themselves in family life. Here at Music In Africa we believe that music is a gateway to both analytical and creative thought. Music gives us the mental tools to experience life in a far more original and rounded manner – it should be celebrated, not demonised, and the women who thrive in it must be praised for their fearlessness to embrace music as a way of life.

This month, Music In Africa pays homage to the women who operate in the African music scene. Apart from our specially commissioned Overview Texts about music that is created and driven by women in various African countries and societies, we also talk to some of the continent’s top artists about their challenges and successes.

Below are some links related to women in African music – with plenty more to come as the month progresses. So make sure you check in daily to access the information we have compiled for you.

Women in African Music Overview texts

Women in Africa news, features & reviews