CHALLENGES FACED BY FEMALE ARTISTS

MBABANE – The music industry could be seen as predominantly male-dominated because there are far fewer female musicians.

There is an alleged misogyny that has been widely practiced for quite a number of years in the music industry, which has made female musicians finding it harder to get recognition than men. During night gigs or festivals, female artists usually experience a lot of difficulties from both event organisers and fans.

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These constant experiences can lead to mental challenges where the artist lacks confidence, in their craft and better yet themselves. Most artists have beseeched with these organisations that govern them to fight these systematic sexism acts against them. It worth mentioning that they pay certain subscription fees under their respective genres. These organisations are; Association of Christian Artists of Eswatini (ACAESWA), Eswatini Arts and Music Association and Eswatini National Council of Arts (ENCAC) which is the umbrella body.

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These associations have a role to play in protecting and empowering all women in the industry. One of the main issues that were raised by most female artists to this publication, is sexual favours that most producers demand from their clients.

This is what some of the musicians had to say:

Phetsile Masilela

Phetsile Masilela is an award-winning Gospel artist in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Well-known by her hit song ‘Zazikhona izinto’. The former ACAESWA president has shared the stage with artists from outside and inside the country including; Lomkhosi Makhubu, Phathwakahle, Linda Dlamini, and Joyous Celebration. “Gender issues in the arts is something that has been left unattended to, because there is no policy even on national level that has been implemented to protect female artists. How can you address these issues if you have not done a proper survey and try to find out the real issues that are experienced by artists. Another thing, female artists are seen as performers, not people that can be in the production team. Have you seen a female producer or female stable manager? We also have security issues because most of our events are at night, so this put us at risk. Some can be easily exploited sexually. Lastly, female musicians must stop looking down upon each other but should focus on how they can help each other to grow in the industry. Females are not given the right resources that can help them grow in the industry, some cannot even do live recordings because it is very expensive and no one wants to assist them.’’

Lady Sphesh

Born Siphesihle Shongwe, now Afro Pop star Lady Sphesh is a young talented artist who has worked with Rambo S, DJ Tpz, DJ kayd Boizen. She has recently dropped a song titled ‘Nguwe’ that is currently doing well on YouTube with 20k views in nine days. “As a female artist you are not given the due respect, instead everyone wants a piece of you (sexually), if you are not the type that gives, you lose a lot of opportunities. So in short, your talent comes after how much you give yourself away, if you don’t have a backbone, you will not survive, because everyone comes and promise you heaven and earth that comes at a very heavy price”.

Shinely Greenz

Social Media Awards winner Shinely Greenz is a vocalist, songwriter, Afro Pop and Amapiano artist. She has performed both locally and outside the country. She was also part of the MTN Bushfire firefly top 10 finalists this year. She has shared the stage with Young Stunna, Kabza the Small, Kwesta, Ami Faku, Young Zesh and Nomalungelo. She is also an entrepreneur. “Some producers and event organisers do not recognise our talents. In order for you to be put in their priority list you have to be intimate with them, not all of them though. Other female artists get to a point where they get complemented now and then by their male managers; it is very awkward to be told by your manager that you look sexy. In some other instances where they demand favors from you, once you say no, you will be delayed or abandoned because now they feel like you will report them. Another thing they want to control our dress code, you have to dress in a way that would tickle their ego. Lastly, if you not on drugs some dissociate themselves from you because it going to be hard for them to drug you.’’

Shekinah Motsa

Shekinah Motsa is a Gospel music artist based in Eswatini. She has shared the stage with Mpumi Mtsweni, Ayanda Ntanzi, and Fakazi Samuel among others. “It is quite obvious that if you are new in the industry you are not being taken serious, because this is a male dominated industry. If you come up with a proposal, they don’t consider it. They distance themselves from you until one decides to work with you. Once they see you shining, they then come closer and work with you. Lastly, if you want something from them they expect you to do a small favour for them in exchange.’’

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