28th October, 2023
By Victoria Oluwayemi
Popular female talking drummer, Aralola Olamuyiwa, aka Ara, has revealed the challenges that female artistes face in Nigeria, including sexism and lack of support from their spouses.
In a recent interview with PUNCH, Ara said that many men cannot handle women in the spotlight, and this is one of the reasons why some women’s careers die.
Ara, who is the new Performing Musicians Employers’ Association of Nigeria Governor, Lagos chapter, said that when a woman gets married, the husband often takes over and tries to control her career.
She also said that some men tell their wives to choose between marriage and their career.
“When a woman gets married, the husband takes over. And the problem we have as females is that spouses, who see us and ask for our hands in marriage, already know what we are into.
“However, the moment they come into that picture, there’s a problem. This is because many men cannot manage women in the forefront. It’s not just music, it’s in every sector. So, this kills the drive. Some men tell their wives to choose between marriage and their career, and some women go for marriage and let the career die, although some stay put in their careers. Why should a man marry a career woman when he cannot cope with her career?”
On if it is important for female artistes to be able to play music instruments, she said, “Having a musical background is a plus. Playing an instrument is another plus. There is nowhere it is said or written that one must play an instrument to be a good musician or entertainer. If one is able to do that, then one is blessed.
“We have a lot of talented people among the female musicians in Nigeria. I am privileged to be able to sing, dance and play a musical instrument. Not everyone has that privilege. Angelique Kidjo doesn’t play any instruments, but she’s a fantastic entertainer. She’s one of my role models. Not being able to play an instrument does not denote that one is not a good artiste. One’s voice is one’s instrument as a matter of fact.”