In a candid conversation on the Honest Bunch Podcast, Candy Bleakz delved into the hurdles faced by female artists in Nigeria’s music industry, shedding light on the evolving landscape and the challenges yet to be overcome.
The Nigerian music scene has witnessed a rising wave of female stars who are reshaping the industry’s gender dynamics. Candy Bleakz, known for her street pop prowess and signed to Chocolate City, emphasized the historical lack of support among female artists, particularly in terms of collaborations.
“It’s true that there hasn’t been a culture of female artists supporting each other,” Candy Bleakz acknowledged. “In the past, you wouldn’t see female artists collaborating like you see now with Simi and I, Bloody and I, Ayra Starr and Tiwa,” she added, highlighting recent collaborations that mark a positive shift.
The street pop star noted a generational change among emerging female artists, with a growing trend towards solidarity and collaboration. Despite these strides, Candy Bleakz highlighted persistent challenges, including unrealistic expectations placed on female artists—from their appearance to their personal lives.
“There are too many expectations, from how we look to how we live,” she noted, pointing out biases that influence label decisions. “Some labels hesitate to sign female artists, fearing they might get married, have children, or make personal choices that could affect their careers,” she explained.
Reflecting on her own journey to success, Candy Bleakz shared personal anecdotes and challenges she faced, underscoring the resilience required to navigate the industry as a female artist.
Her insights provide a glimpse into the complexities and aspirations of female artists in Nigerian music, urging for continued support and empowerment within the industry. For those interested, the full interview with Candy Bleakz on the Honest Bunch Podcast can be viewed below.
