Afrobeats Star Fave Calls Out Double Standards, Says Female Artists Are Judged by Looks, Not Talent

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Fave has spoken about what she describes as a double standard facing female artists in the music industry, arguing that women are often judged by their appearance and fashion choices before their musical talent.

Fave made the comments during a recent episode of the Afropolitan Podcast, released on September 16, 2026.

Fave: “It’s Harder for Female Artists to Blow”

According to Fave, female musicians are held to different standards from their male counterparts.

She said female artists are often evaluated based on what they wear, their body shape and their perceived attractiveness rather than their music or stage presence.

“It’s harder for female artists to blow. Female artists aren’t measured by talent but by what they wear.”

She also said discussions about female artists can quickly shift away from their music to their physical appearance and sexuality.

Fave Says Appearance Can Overshadow Music

The singer pointed to online conversations about her own appearance, including speculation about her skin tone, as an example of the scrutiny female artists can face.

Fave argued that women can feel pressure to meet expectations around their bodies, clothing and how “decently” they appear before audiences pay attention to their music.

She contrasted this with male artists, saying men are not subjected to the same level of appearance-based scrutiny.

“Female Artists Do Way More”

Fave further argued that female artists often have to work harder to receive attention and remain part of conversations in the industry.

She said women bring their best to performances but still have to contend with expectations that extend beyond their musical ability.

The singer also recalled encounters early in her career where some industry executives were reluctant to sign female artists because they believed women were more difficult to manage.

Fave Wants the Focus Back on Music

Despite the challenges she described, Fave said she continues to support other female artists and wants audiences to focus more on the music they create.

The singer, known for songs including “Baby Riddim” and “Kante” with Davido, also discussed her experience leaving Atlantic Records and continuing her career independently during the podcast conversation.

Her comments have since generated discussion about gender expectations, appearance and how female musicians are perceived within Nigeria’s Afrobeats industry.

Source: Pulse Nigeria, The Sun Nigeria, and QED.NG. (Pulse Nigeria)