By OLUWASEYI ODUNEYE-OGUNWOMOJU

Women in music in Nigeria on Saturday joined their counterparts globally to mark the 2026 Women in Music Day, highlighting their challenges and hope.

The women, in separate interviews, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that it has not been easy in a male-dominated terrain.

Ashionye Ekemode, popularly known as Ashny, said she had mostly been underestimated, forcing her to work harder to prove herself.

She, however, said she had learnt to stay focused on her craft, trust her voice, and surround herself with supportive people.

“I believe in my music and my vision, and that confidence has helped me to break through barriers,” said Ashny.

She identified finance, rejection and feelings of hopelessness as some of the challenges up-and-coming artistes face.

“To overcome the challenges, I put my head up high, saving up every penny to get going.

“Women are definitely making powerful moves in the music industry right now; they are stepping into the spotlight, owning their sound, telling their stories, and breaking barriers across different genres,” she said.

Ashny, however, said that to increase women’s participation in music, there should be more support systems, mentorship, funding, and platforms that intentionally uplift female talent.

“Also, the industry needs to be intentional with creating spaces for women to feel safe, respected, and heard,” she said.

She then urged intending female musicians to stay true to themselves, never give up and keep going.

Similarly, Funmilayo Ayedogbon, popularly known as ÒDÈRÉ, said music has been challenging and empowering.

Ayedogbon said that the industry, like many other creative spaces, has long been male-dominated, making women to sometimes work twice as hard to be seen, heard, recognised and respected.

“Personally, I’ve chosen to stand confidently in my identity and authenticity, letting my work speak for itself,” she said.

She said that limited access to funding and necessary platforms were among the many other challenges she faced as a newbie to music.

“There was also the challenge of building a solid team that truly understood my vision and could help execute it effectively,” she said.

However, she said she scaled through by staying focused on the goal, keeping her faith strong and remaining consistent.

“I also created a platform for myself to showcase my art; an annual music event, ‘Odere Live’, whose third edition comes up this year.

“I’ve also invested in improving my craft, building meaningful relationships, and staying committed, even when progress felt slow,” she said.

According to her, it is beautiful to see women increasingly taking their place in the industry.

“There’s more visibility, more voices, and more diversity in expression.

“However, there is still a gap in representation, especially behind the scenes; in production, sound engineering, and executive roles,” she said.

She added that women in music need more intentional support systems, mentorship programmes, funding opportunities, and safe creative spaces to grow.

“I will always advocate for grooming the younger generation earlier and equipping them with the necessary platforms to scale up early enough.

“Additionally, industry stakeholders must be deliberate about creating inclusive opportunities and platforms that amplify female talents,” she said.

She, however, urged upcoming female singers to surround themselves with people who support their growth, stay true to their uniqueness and never allow fear or doubt to silence them.

Also, Doyinsola Akinola, popularly known as Doyinsola, said that while it has not been easy in the industry, she has kept putting in her best.

According to her, women now have a voice, which keeps getting better.

“Funding was a major challenge, and getting the right platform and distribution at the early stage was not an easy feat for me.

“Thank God for social media, there are now diverse ways of pushing music,” she said.

Doyinsola said women’s participation in music had grown and improved more than it was.

“We will keep encouraging ourselves to see the sky as big enough for everyone,” she said.

She encouraged intending female singers to stay focused, keep grinding and never give up on themselves.

“One day, it will all make sense,” she said.

Meanwhile, Oladele Olajumoke, popularly known as Bayonle, said the challenges in the industry had pushed her to work harder, stay confident, and prove her uniqueness.

According to her, she started her musical career with limited resources and little exposure.

“It was tough balancing my creativity with the industry’s expectations.

“To overcome, I stayed consistent, always believing in my talent and improving my sound.

“I have stayed focused on building confidence and creating music that truly represents me,” she said.

She expressed delight at having more active and visible women in the industry.

“But there is still room for growth,” she said.

Bayonle advised intending young girls to believe in themselves, stay focused, and never give up.

“Keep learning, be original, and don’t be afraid to stand out.

“Your voice matters, so use it boldly,” she said. (NAN)

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