Nigerian singer Chimamanda Pearl Chukwuma, better known as Qing Madi, has shared her perspective on the challenges women face in the country’s music industry, stressing that female artists must work twice as hard as their male counterparts to gain recognition.
The 19-year-old American Love crooner made the remarks during a recent appearance on the Wahala Podcast, where she highlighted the imbalance in how men and women are treated in the industry.
According to Qing Madi, while male artists are often given freedom to act and express themselves without heavy scrutiny, women face constant criticism, unrealistic expectations, and societal pressure that makes their career journey more difficult.
She said:
“I think the [music] industry is not the best for women in terms of protecting women, loving women in general. Women have to do twice as much work as their male counterparts. Women are oftentimes criticised for nothing. But they don’t do that to the men. The men have the right to do whatever they like, but for the women, society just wants to box women so much.”
The young artist, who continues to grow her influence in the Afrobeat scene, admitted that she has personally experienced these struggles despite her young age.
“I go through that, which is crazy because I’m 19. So what do you want me to do? Women never get a break. So I’m super proud of being a female artist in Nigeria. And I’m super proud of every female artist in Nigeria because it takes a lot [to be one]. It’s not easy.”
Qing Madi also used the opportunity to celebrate her female colleagues in the music industry, applauding their courage and resilience in navigating a system that she believes is not structured to protect or nurture women.
Her comments add to the growing conversation about gender inequality in the entertainment sector, especially in Nigeria where only a handful of women have managed to consistently break through in a male-dominated industry.
