It is not entirely far fetched to say that Nigeria as a society is one where misogyny and total disregard for women thrives. This whole act of deeply rooted gender biases do not hesitate to show itself in almost every sector, definitely not leaving out the creative scene and industry as a whole. It has crept its way into normal society and Nigerian women have had to face barriers and challenges in various aspects of life. These obstacles or barriers are often evident and quite obvious when they are viewed in various areas like school, politics and even the entertainment industry. In the creative scene and industry, females encounter discrimination, sexual harassment and unequal opportunities compared to their male counterparts.

The misogyny is even well represented and seen as a norm amongst its perpetrators. It is not hidden nor even done within closed doors. In a heteronormative society such as Nigeria, we have been conditioned into thinking that men irrespective of age, class or whatever status are somewhat entitled to having sexual relations with any woman they please. This notion has promoted both misogyny and rape culture in the minds of many; this belief creates a sense that women have no non-material worth or incentive to give out...it pushes that a woman loses worth or value every time they have sexual experiences with men. These sexual experiences whether consensual or not seem to be what they believe a woman is only capable of offering and in turn bashes women when they are sexual liberated...what an irony.

Nigerian female singer and songwriter Simi, in an interview with BBC during her campaign, she spoke on challenges she faced as a woman in the course of her career and the pressure to be provocative and show some sort of sexuality and nudity in her work and creative processes. It is not new to know that Simi as an artiste thrives on her own type of music that doesn’t necessarily base on sexual liberation and the whole “baddie” aesthetic. It’s quite funny to see that she’s received several backlash from society about her being unable to be provocative in the course of her career...what more do you want from women? Some sort of moral Decency equates to being boring, Being liberated equates to being a whore or a slut. Women really can’t catch a break. She also addressed the stereotypes on her being unable to continue her career because of marriage and childbirth. It’s really sad to see how society thrives in holding women back. You’re made to believe that your sole purpose is to care for your family and not even have a life of your own. It’s not crazy to say that a lot of women would’ve had better lives if they hadn’t started a family. During the course of her pregnancy, Simi was trolled for ’charging much’ for her concert tickets. Mind you, she received criticism for the price of her tickets because of her pregnancy; “why is she pregnant and charging so much for her show.” Did her pregnancy take or deduct anything from her art? Most definitely not, it just all boils down to the fact that society and men really dislike to see women just doing them. It’s always “you’re doing too much” or “you’re not doing anything at all.” We were randomly graced sometime on X with a confession from Brymo, a Nigerian artiste who has several controversial topics to his name. This artiste added that he offered Simi sex in exchange for a collaboration. According to him, he wanted to “experience the outcome of making music with a female act I was bedding.” He went as far as adding that he has also made the offer to Ghanaian artiste Efya. I find it very lovely that the artiste himself openly confessed to this barbaric behavior because if per adventure, Simi or Efya themselves came out to talk on this harassment, I doubt they would’ve been paid any attention. At the same time I do not even blame them for not speaking on it earlier, because look how it was swept under the carpet; everything concerning women is just seen as nothing and pushed aside by our Patriarchy Kings. Basic patriarchy coming into play...men are always having transactional sex and are totally fine and comfortable with it as far as they’re the ones setting the terms of this so called transaction.

Let’s not forget about Tems being sexualized. It was all everyone(males and patriarchy princesses) could talk about. Completely forgetting about the beautiful music this talented artiste makes and just ranting about your urge to see her backside or ask why she doesn’t tend to show her backside in her videos. Catch a break you horny lots...it’s so tiring to see.

Women are rarely given much praise or celebrated when the release their own projects but are acknowledged when it’s time to be a supporting figure to fulfil male owned projects and productions.

Sadly to say the least, way too many Nigerians are unable to develop critical and intellectual thinking skills or proper understanding of behavioural patterns and this is because of abysmal state of education in this country, but let’s not go deep into that angle.

The decision of the HEADIES AWARDS to assign so much inferior worth to Female specific awards by having them only being aired on social media sends a crazy heartbreaking message on the value placed upon the work and accomplishments of women in the industry. “I will never be grateful for winning a category that wasn’t even deemed fit to be announced on stage...” Nigerian female artiste and pop star Ayra Starr who had won Best Female artiste category expressed her disgust and disappointment at the afterthought treatment displayed by the HEADIES AWARDS. If history is allowed to be a gauge, the Nigerian music industry is programmed to allow such treatment and bias. This relegation is seen as a disrespect to top female artists like Tiwa Savage, Tems and Yemi Alade. Does it mean that their accomplishments are not deemed worthy to be given proper recognition? Such marginalisation paints the big picture of misogyny in the entertainment scene in Nigeria. The lack of indignation is disturbing and disappointing; it’s common sense to know that promoting the art and accomplishments of female artistes with the same intensity as male accomplishments, the HEADIES can play a crucial role in breaking down the obstacles that hamper the growth and progress of female acts in the industry. If this discrepancy is rectified and the need for gender specific awards eliminated, maybe the Nigerian music industry and entertainment scene might just reach its full potential... But of course, don’t take advice from an “angry feminist” ye patriarchy kings.

Why is there so much surprise when females head big brands? There’s a huge need for sensitization on issues like these. A funny belief is that misogyny only involves sexual violence and harassment... How about you think about the times you have downplayed the efforts of women. It is not little surprise why Nigerian female diaspora creatives dread being in Nigeria. I too would be so tired and disgusted having to be in male dominated spaces and have little to attention being paid to you even when you have more worth and credibility than your male counterparts. Nigerians need to do better. Don’t think I can perform less because I’m a woman, don’t think I’m subpar because I’m a woman, don’t think I’m useless and have nothing to offer simply because I’m a woman, don’t think less of me because I’m a woman. This is not a plea! Whether you decide to listen or not, Women are still up there winning!