Women artists in Africa like Amaarae, Tyla, Tiwa Savage, Efya Nokturnal, Sister Deborah and Ayra Star are in wave of setting the tone for African women artists with their flare of fashion that could be considered stylish to their fans but conservative communities seem to express otherwise. Femininity comes with a hosts of burdens for African women artists and Black American artists as well when they are criticized for their music video appearances, performance outfits, interview looks or red carpet style depending on their ethnic, religious or national backgrounds because expectations of upholding female role traditions is a prevalent aspect of many African societies. Some would argue African women are expected to dress modest and to maintain an image that is religiously intact. Should women from Africa feel limited in their fashion choices to uphold colonial or traditional ideas of what an 'African woman' should be?

If you're scrolling on social media, it's common to see Amaarae, Tyla and Ayra Star often called negative words for dressing 'half naked' or 'half-dressed' by musical spectators but their rants do not paint a picture of the artists' overall impact. Despite negative comments from a few fashion blogs, international designers seemingly enjoy the freedom of style amongst many African women who are stepping into the music industry. Music artists from Africa have to appeal to as many markets as they can to reach the level of success as their counterparts from America or other countries, which creative fashion can propel their relatability amongst their audience. 

Tyla has reached high ranks of stardom since her first single 'Water' dropped and she has become a Met Gala favorite meanwhile her counterpart Amaarae is heating up the America New York scene with her alt style. Showing skin is a part of their style and shouldn't be a used as a spectrum of respect they should receive from men or described as bad role models for children. 

The aesthetical presence of femininity is a major competent in music because attractiveness sells faster or 'sex sells' as many say. As women, the freedom to decide their boundaries in fashion and representing their nations based on their terms is a modern feat that the legendary predecessors paved in the past but challenges of modernity still interrupt. The misconception that African women are to stay modest for the pleasure of patriarchy is a comedic concept but it's also a dangerous mindset. Safety for women should always be a priority throughout all societies and religions, but some argue that a woman deserves mistreatment based on how she is dressed or perceived despite the profession or environment she occupies. Should a bank teller in Africa and an Afrobeats artist be forced to have similar style for the sake of the country's image? 

Written by Nakira G.

May 2, 2024

Keywords: African, Africa, Tyla, Amaarae, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, West Africa, fashion, safety, protect black women