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Renowned singer Tiwa Savage has stated that the expectation of sexual favors from female artists in return for opportunities is one of the significant challenges women encounter in the Nigerian music industry.
During a panel discussion hosted by Entertainment Week Africa, Savage shared her experiences, revealing that she was advised to meet with influential male executives to secure bookings for specific shows.
She also disclosed that she once lost an endorsement deal because she declined an invitation to vacation in Dubai with the company's co-owner.
Savage expressed that this experience made her realize that some executives prioritize her appearance over her musical talent.
She stated, “I was informed that if I didn’t personally meet with ‘this chairman’, I wouldn’t be featured in a show. I lost an endorsement because I refused to travel to Dubai with a man who is one of the company’s owners.
“That was the moment I understood that they value my body more than my talent, which I was merely showcasing as part of my branding. It ended up being detrimental to me because that was all they seemed to recognize.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges do female artists face in the Nigerian music industry?
Female artists often encounter the demand for sexual favors in exchange for opportunities, which is a significant challenge in the industry.
What personal experiences did Tiwa Savage share regarding this issue?
Tiwa Savage shared that she was advised to meet influential male executives to secure bookings and lost an endorsement deal for refusing to travel to Dubai with a company co-owner.
How did these experiences affect Tiwa Savage's perception of her value in the industry?
These experiences led her to realize that some executives prioritize her physical appearance over her musical talent.
