Nigerian singer Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere, popularly known as Fave, has spoken about the challenges female artistes face in the Nigerian music industry, particularly the pressure to meet certain standards of appearance.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, Fave said female artistes are often judged by their physical appearance and fashion choices before their musical talent is considered.
“It is harder for female artistes to ‘blow.’ Female artistes aren’t measured by talent but by what they wear. If your tummy isn’t flat, people sexualise you,” she said.
According to the singer, the focus on appearance often shifts attention away from the music, with female artistes subjected to scrutiny based on how they look and dress.
“It is never really about the music; it is more about people’s sexual desires or their fantasies about you,” she said.
Fave also criticised the expectation that female artistes must dress in a particular way before their music can receive attention.
“And I think that right there is a problem, because it becomes more about how decently you are dressed before people listen to you,” she said.
She further argued that male artistes do not face the same level of scrutiny over their appearance.
“But when it comes to men, they aren’t held to that same standard,” she added.
Despite these challenges, Fave maintained that female artistes continue to make significant contributions to the Nigerian music industry while navigating the additional expectations placed on them.
