For decades, the Nigerian music industry has been largely male-dominated, with men taking center stage while women struggled to carve a space for themselves.
However, in recent years, female artists have risen to prominence, breaking stereotypes, winning global awards, and proving their worth in an industry that once underestimated them.
From legends like Onyeka Onwenu and Christy Essien-Igbokwe to modern icons like Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Tems, Ayra Starr, Simi, Waje, and Mercy Chinwo, the journey of women in the Nigerian music industry has been filled with challenges, resilience, and groundbreaking success.
The Struggles of Female Artists in Nigeria
1. Industry Bias & Gender Discrimination
For years, female artists struggled with industry bias. Many were not taken seriously by record labels and promoters who believed that women could not sustain a long-term career in music. Tiwa Savage, one of Nigeria’s biggest female artists, once revealed how she was discouraged from pursuing music because she was a woman. She recalled that many people told her she had to “act a certain way” to be accepted.
Similarly, Waje, who started her career with a powerful voice and undeniable talent, struggled with getting recognition. Despite having a voice that could rival any international R&B star, she was often overlooked in an industry where male artists were given more support and airplay.
2. Sexual Harassment & Exploitation
Many female artists have spoken out about the sexual harassment they faced when trying to break into the industry. Some were told they had to “pay their dues” in inappropriate ways before getting signed or promoted.
Simi, a household name in Nigerian music, once mentioned how female artists often have to work twice as hard as men to be respected without compromising their values.
3. Limited Investment & Sponsorship
While male artists frequently receive heavy investment from record labels, female artists struggle to secure funding and sponsorships. This lack of investment makes it difficult for them to promote their music, shoot quality videos, or go on tours. Even the likes of Yemi Alade, despite being one of Africa’s biggest female stars, had to fight for the same level of industry support that male artists effortlessly received.
4. Balancing Career & Family
Unlike male artists, female musicians often have to deal with the challenge of balancing their careers with family expectations. Many record labels hesitate to sign female artists because of the fear that they will put their careers on hold for marriage and motherhood.
A good example is Mercy Chinwo, one of Nigeria’s biggest gospel musicians. When she got married in 2022, many speculated that it would slow down her music career, but she has continued to thrive and inspire millions.
Breaking Barriers: The Rise of Women in Nigerian Music
Despite these challenges, Nigerian female artists have continued to break barriers, proving that talent and resilience can conquer all obstacles.
Tems: From Underground Star to Grammy Winner (Twice!)
One of the most inspiring success stories in recent years is that of Temilade Openiyi, fondly called Tems. Before her global fame, Tems was just an underground artist trying to push her unique sound in a male-dominated industry.
She faced several challenges, including:
• Rejection from Nigerian record labels who didn’t understand her sound.
• Financial struggles, as she funded her music career herself.
• Navigating a male-dominated industry without compromising her artistic integrity.
Her big break came when she featured on Wizkid’s Essence, a song that became a global hit. The success of Essence earned her recognition from international artists, leading to collaborations with Drake, Future, and Beyoncé.
In 2023, Tems made history as the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy, taking home the award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on Future’s song Wait for U.
Her journey didn’t stop there. In 2025, Tems won her second Grammy, this time for Best African Music Performance with her hit song Love Me JeJe. This cemented her place as one of Nigeria’s most influential female artists, proving that Nigerian women in music can achieve global success without limits.
Ayra Starr: The New Generation Star
Ayra Starr, signed to Mavin Records, is one of the most exciting female artists of this generation. The Rush hitmaker has achieved global success with her unique blend of Afropop, R&B, and Alte sounds.
However, her rise was not without struggles. Like many young female artists, she faced criticism for her fashion choices and was often compared to established stars instead of being allowed to carve her own identity. Regardless, Ayra Starr has remained confident and continues to break records, becoming one of Nigeria’s most streamed female artists globally.
Tiwa Savage: The Queen of Afrobeats
No conversation about women in Nigerian music is complete without Tiwa Savage. She started as a backup singer for global artists like Beyoncé and George Michael before moving back to Nigeria to chase her dream.
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Tiwa faced heavy criticism early in her career, with people branding her as “too sexy” or “not Nigerian enough.” However, she silenced critics with back-to-back hits, including Kele Kele Love, Eminado, and Ma Lo featuring Wizkid.
In 2018, she became the first woman to win Best African Act at the MTV Europe Music Awards (EMA), proving that female artists could achieve just as much, if not more, than their male counterparts.
Gospel Queens: Mercy Chinwo, Victoria Orenze & Yinka Alaseyori.
The gospel music industry has also seen powerful female voices breaking barriers.
• Mercy Chinwo, known for her hit song Excess Love, started her career as a secular singer before switching to gospel. She has become one of the most celebrated gospel artists in Nigeria, performing across Africa and beyond.
• Victoria Orenze is known for her deep spiritual worship songs that have impacted lives globally. Her journey was not easy, as she had to prove herself in an industry that sometimes prioritizes male worship leaders.
• Yinka Alaseyori, another powerhouse in gospel music, rose to fame despite criticisms from more established artists. Her song Oniduro Mi sparked controversy when another gospel singer suggested she was unqualified to sing such deep songs, but she handled it with grace and gained even more fans.
The Future of Women in Nigerian Music
With artists like Ayra Starr, Tems, Fave, Bloody Civilian, and Simi leading the new wave, the future of women in Nigerian music looks brighter than ever. These young women are challenging industry norms, building strong fan bases, and proving that gender should never be a barrier to success.
Furthermore, global platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music are now providing more opportunities for female artists, ensuring that their music reaches a wider audience.
However, there is still more work to be done. Industry stakeholders must:
• Invest more in female talent and give them the same opportunities as their male counterparts.
• Create safe spaces where women can thrive without facing harassment or exploitation.
• Encourage collaborations between female artists, rather than fueling rivalry narratives.
In conclusion, women in the Nigerian music industry have faced immense struggles, from industry bias to lack of investment and gender discrimination. However, their resilience and talent have allowed them to break barriers and make history.
Artists like Tems, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Simi, Waje, Mercy Chinwo, Ayra Starr, Victoria Orenze, and Yinka Alaseyori have paved the way for future generations, proving that women can dominate the charts, sell out concerts, and win international awards.
As the industry continues to evolve, one thing is certain: Nigerian female artists are here to stay, and their impact will only continue to grow.