The people at Femme Africa have been on a dedicated path to inclusivity and celebrating women in the African music scene, especially through the Femme Fest. With just three months into 2023, we’ve seen record labels and music execs try to shine the light on women in the music scene. Creating more opportunities for females who want to transition into the industry is now being prioritized. From the internship offers at Chocolate city in partnership with Jobberman to Audio Girl Africa IWD BootCamp at Mavin Records.
Women have been marginalized in the industry for years, from leading positions to managers, especially behind the scenes. According to a study, which Spotify funded, less than a quarter of the artists on the Billboard Hot 100 Year-End Chart since 2012 were women. This figure has been stagnant at 21% over the past 10 years.
Femme Africa has aimed for the underlying reasons for exclusions and raised discussions and panels set to combat these issues in order to create solutions to this disparity over the years. The Femme Mentorship program equips women as they navigate the creative industry with the necessary tools, conversations, and guidance that they may need. With over 20 mentors which included execs from Mavin records, Warner Music, Audiomack Africa, and Empire. The program had 34 mentees for the first edition, which recorded success and a path to inclusion and access.
Femme Fest is an annual festival by Femme Africa for the purpose of celebrating African women in the music industry not just in Nigeria but in Africa. Since its launch in 2021, Femme Africa have made noticeable influences in the industry.
With the launch of the Pink Book by Femme Africa in the women’s month of March, a digital curation that accentuates African women. Women doing work in audio and music. Femme Africa has set the path ready for the annual fest set to hold Saturday the 25th of March. The location is Harbour Point, Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria.
Lined up activities ranging from panels, workshops, express stations, vendor village, a live show, and After hours.
Sponsors of the festival are brands such as The Orchard, and Amstel Malta. As well as Star Radler, Kuda Bank, Absolut, MTV Base, and more. Live performances from Layzee Ella, Maire, Atracta, Ayizan, Qing Madi, and more. Some of the panelists are entertainment Lawyer Foza Fawehinwi, Busola Bakinson, Kike Soyode, Beth Achitsa, and more.
You can get your tickets here.
