Of all the regions in the world, Sub-Saharan Africa saw the biggest recorded-music growth in 2023 in percentage terms, according to the IFPI.
Revenues there grew by 24.7%, and while that’s from a small base – the 2023 figure was $92m – there is a lot of excitement about the potential for future growth across the continent.
She Voice Africa is an organisation that wants to ensure that women play a full part in that growth at every level of the industry, from artists and songwriters through to managers, label execs, publishers and other roles.
The organisation recently held its ‘Redefining Roles, Empowering Women’ conference in Nairobi, Kenya, and has joined the global Keychange pledge, with plans for more events and activities in the year ahead.
Founder Phyline Adisa tells Music Ally that She Voice Africa came from “a deeply felt need to empower women in the African music industry” with its roots in her experiences working in several industries.
“I’ve had the privilege of wearing various hats, including TV and radio hosting, moderation, and advocacy for women’s rights, I witness firsthand the challenges women face in advancing their careers,” she says.
“Recognizing the importance of providing a platform for women to voice their concerns and advocate for equality and representation, I founded She Voice Africa due to the absence of a unified platform for women to voice their concerns, share experiences, and collectively advocate for gender equality and representation.”
“It has become increasingly evident that despite the remarkable talent and potential of women in music, systemic barriers and societal norms hinders their advancement and recognition within the industry.”
Adisa wants the organisation to become a powerful platform for tackling these challenges, while also building a community for women of diverse backgrounds and roles.
“We want to provide women with the necessary resources, knowledge, and support networks to dismantle barriers, challenge stereotypes, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable music industry,” she says.
” Our journey began with a singular mission: to empower, uplift, and celebrate the voices of women in music, and it continues to evolve as we work tirelessly towards a future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and shine in the music industry.”
As Adisa points out, there are a growing number of African women making waves in the global music industry as artists: Tyla, Ayra Starr, Tems, Tiwa Savage and Nadia Mukami included.
However, she says that there is much work to do when it comes to the gender balance in leadership positions within African music industry, as well as mentorship and training programs for women who want to get into the business and develop their careers.
“Progress is being made, with major DSPs, Distribution companies and record labels setting up offices in Africa and providing opportunities to women. However, there is a need for greater representation and support for women across all facets of the industry,” says Adisa.
“She Voice Africa aims to address these challenges by fostering a supportive community and providing resources and opportunities for women in music.”
The recent conference was a good example, with sessions focusing on topics including digital monetisation, brand partnerships, copyright, the film industry, legal issues, and music technologies.
“The conference served as an eye opener for empowerment, igniting a sense of solidarity and purpose among attendees,” says Adisa. “It empowered women to reclaim their narrative, challenge the status quo, and drive meaningful change within the industry.”
“Participants left the event inspired, informed, and equipped with the tools and resources needed to effect positive change in their professional endeavours even though most urged us to plan for more events like this to foster more learning.”
More events, and also partnerships. She Voice Africa is keen to work with the music industry as its ambitions grow.
“We welcome partnerships and collaborations from various stakeholders in the music industry; streaming services, record labels, publishing companies, music data companies, non-profit organisations, and other stakeholders who share our vision of gender equality and representation,” says Adisa.
The organisation is also looking for sponsors, volunteers, speakers, mentors and supporters to get in touch as it eyes the potential for activities ranging from events to training programs and educational initiatives.
“There are numerous ways for companies and organisations to collaborate with She Voice Africa and contribute to positive change,” says Adisa, who is also keen to encourage more companies and organisations to sign up to the Keychange pledge.
She Voice Africa can be contacted via info@shevoice.org.
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