Women need to adopt a more proactive and optimistic perspective to thrive in the music industry, a Canada-based Nigerian singer, Haliyah Hales has said.
Haliyah, whose real name is Ifedolapo Haliyat Arowolo, said women need to work hard and work smart.
The singer, who has just released her latest music video titled: ‘Pressure’, said women in the music industry were struggling compared to their male counterparts, mostly because of how people receive female artists.
“I believe a lot of female artists like myself can do better when it comes to their music by never giving up and always keep pushing.
“I will say it is much more challenging and easier for males in the industry to network; to meet people based on their talents; they don’t have to necessarily deal with discrimination sexually.
“Other people just believe that female artists do not stand the test of time in the industry.
“So, it is hard for them to invest in female artists mostly because they feel when the female artists get married, have kids, it is harder to make money,” she said.
Haliyah also talked about how female artists in the entertainment industry had to work 10 times harder than their male counterparts.
“Generally, in the music industry, there are more males than females; so it is a male-dominated kind of industry.
“The very few females that are there work like 10 times harder just to be noticed; that’s why I say you have to always up your creativity at every point in time.
“To be the best that you can do for your craft, do the things you’re supposed to do and believe in yourself, talent, dream and creativity.
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“Always be a step ahead, also do other things that can bring you money to promote your music without depending on anyone.
“It reduces the risk of being abused or being sexualised especially when it comes to marketing and record label. I strongly will say to female artists struggling out there to never give up,” she said.
Haliyah is a singer, songwriter, and model, who is also a registered nurse by profession.She is a Toronto-based independent artiste who sings in English and Yoruba; her music is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, pop and hip-hop.