Nigerian music star Teni made a powerful statement against gender discrimination in the music industry during Entertainment Week Africa 2025 in Lagos. The celebrated singer boldly declared that no successful male artist can match the vocal abilities of female musicians.
The Bold Declaration That Shook EWA
Teni's exact words resonated throughout the venue: "I don't know any blown male artists that can out-sing us. Mic for Mic, vocals for vocals." This statement set the tone for a crucial conversation about recognition and equality in African music during the week-long event running from November 18 to 23.
The Price of Being Her: Women Speak Out
The impactful moment occurred during the panel discussion titled "The Price of Being Her: Power, Pay & the Cost of Visibility in Music." The session featured prominent female artists including Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Waje, Qing Madi, and other influential figures in the industry.
Tiwa Savage opened the discussion with a moving spoken word performance that highlighted the challenges women face in music. She pointed out the disturbing reality where female artists are often sexualized and undervalued despite their professional contributions.
"She gives a body of work and they ask for her body, she gives her vision and she's told that the industry is not ready for all of that," Tiwa expressed, capturing the frustration many female artists experience.
Systemic Issues in the Music Industry
The panel brought to light several critical issues affecting women in African music:
- Persistent pay gaps between male and female artists
- The tendency to focus on female artists' personal lives rather than their musical achievements
- Undervaluation of female talent and contributions
- Sexualization and disrespect faced by women in the industry
Tiwa Savage noted that while women consistently deliver hit songs and maintain long careers, they're often remembered more for scandals than their artistic accomplishments. She did acknowledge supportive male allies like Don Jazzy who actively work to promote gender equality in music.
Teni's Empowering Message
Following Tiwa's powerful opening, Teni amplified the conversation with her uncompromising stance. She reinforced the panel's central theme of female empowerment and challenged the notion that women are secondary citizens in the music world.
"You came from us. We are your mothers," Teni declared, emphasizing the foundational role women play not just in music but in society as a whole. Her message clearly stated that female artists are architects of the industry rather than mere participants.
The discussion at EWA 2025 has reignited important conversations about gender equality in African music. As women continue to shape the continent's soundscape and cultural landscape, their collective voice grows stronger in demanding fair recognition and treatment.
The event highlighted that while female artists have made significant strides, systemic challenges persist, requiring continued advocacy and industry-wide changes to achieve true equality.
