Female artists stand up to be counted

Two decades ago, one would require a high-definition microscope to pick out a female artist from a list of 20 musicians.

At the time, the number of females participating actively in the trade was minimal and this was attributed to a number of factors which made the environment unfavourable for their art to flourish.

Seasoned musician Ethel Kamwendo Banda, who started her music journey at the age of  nine recounts the experience: “It was hard from your household all the way into the industry.

“A parent would not allow a female child to be a musician. They played down the value of music as a career which would sustain one’s livelihood. Those of us who persevered were called all sorts of names. To many, music was equal to prostitution.”

Howwver, with time, the situation seems to be slowly changing and female artists are so much part of the narrative. In the past two days, five female artists Ritaa, Temwa, Leslie, Queen Fyah and Emmie Deebo all released singles. The outcome represents a gradual shift from what has been happening.

In an interview yesterday, Leslie said partly the change has been driven by the change in mentality by the female artists who for long were made to believe that music was the domain for males.

“We have instilled in ourselves the spirit of self-belief. It is no longer about the males. Now we know the cake is for all of us. Where I am standing, I know I can go shoulder to shoulder with any male artist for the opportunities which are there,” she said.

The Wa Ine hit-maker said females are emotional beings who sometimes tend to withdraw from their craft at the slightest provocation they face.

Another female artist, Temwa said there was lack of unity and cohesion among female artists previously which pushed the advantage to the male folk when it comes to opportunities in the industry.

She said: “There has been some apparent gaps in terms of how we work together as women. We do little in promoting our work and, as such, even event promoters look away. But there is more support now within ourselves since our target is to be recognised and respected.”

On her part, Ritaa said time has been the decisive factor as it has helped transform the way people look at music.

She said though things have changed, there is still more which needs to change.

“When there is an opportunity, it is the male names who are mentioned first. That is why most female artists get frustrated and opt out of the career,” Ritaa said.

Reggae dancehall artist Queen Fyah concurred with Ritaa, saying that there is still little support given to the female artists by people.

She said: “Most of the things they say are meant to frustrate us. They still look at us as pretenders. But we will fight on. We will not give them a benefit of victory.”