Singer Chidozie Godsfavour Ugochinyere, popularly known as Fave, says female artists in Nigeria face expectations that extend beyond their musical talent.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Afropolitan podcast, the singer said women in the Nigerian music industry are often judged by their appearance, clothing and perceived sex appeal, while male artists face less scrutiny over such factors.
Fave said the focus on appearance can overshadow the music itself and create an additional challenge for female artists seeking recognition.
“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.”
She argued that the expectations placed on female performers can make questions about how they dress more prominent than their musical abilities.
“And I think that right there is a problem, because it becomes more about how decently you are dressed before people listen to you. But when it comes to men, they aren’t held to that same standard.”
Fave also said that despite the challenges she described, female artists often perform better than their male counterparts.
Her comments add to ongoing conversations about how female musicians are perceived and evaluated within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Ademide Adebayo
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