Afrobeats has long been a stage where rhythm meets rebellion — a genre as unapologetic as the artists who shape it. But behind the infectious beats and chart-topping anthems lies a more subtle, stubborn rhythm: gender dynamics that often relegate women to the industry’s margins.
Yet, the women of Afrobeats aren’t waiting for permission to step into the spotlight — they are the architects of the culture, the power brokers behind the scenes, and the voices pushing the genre forward.
This International Women’s Month, The Upper Entertainment sits with Fadehan Okpeseyi ( Public Relations Expert), Funto Shogo better known as ‘Anikeflexx‘ ( Multi faceted Creative Director), and ‘Baddie the Music Blogger‘ ( Music Journalist) — three formidable forces redefining what it means to be a woman in an industry still unlearning its biases.
Fadehan Okpeseyi: Carving Out Space and Commanding Respect
On realizing gender dynamics in her career:
“From the very beginning, I knew I had to be intentional about how I was perceived. There weren’t many women doing what I was doing at the time, and that came with its own challenges. I quickly learned that just being good at my job wasn’t enough — I had to command respect in a space where people weren’t used to seeing women in leadership roles. I had to be firm, professional, and consistent, not just in my work but in how I carried myself. That mindset has been crucial to my growth and success.”
On invisible challenges:
“People often assume that because there are more women in the industry now, the challenges have disappeared, but that’s not the case. One of the biggest struggles is being taken seriously, especially outside the industry. Many people don’t fully understand the work we do or the value we bring. You find yourself constantly having to prove that your success isn’t by chance; it’s a result of skill, hard work, and strategy. That lack of understanding can make it harder to gain respect, secure deals, or even be seen as an authority in your field.”
On navigating leadership:
“I’ve been fortunate to work with men who respect and value my contributions. That’s not to say the challenges don’t exist, but I’ve always made sure that my work speaks for me. I don’t entertain spaces where I’m not valued. Instead, I focus on building relationships with those who recognize my expertise and push me forward. That has made all the difference.”
Anikeflexx: The Silent Battles and Bold Moves
On experiencing gender bias:
“There are so many instances where you walk into a room and you’re immediately underestimated. I’ve had moments where I share an idea, and it’s ignored — only for a man to say the same thing minutes later, and suddenly it’s ‘brilliant.’ It’s exhausting, but it’s also why I work twice as hard. Not because I want to prove anything to anyone, but because I know the only way to shift these dynamics is to excel so loudly that you can’t be dismissed.”
On navigating leadership as a woman:
“As a woman in leadership, you have to walk a tightrope. If you’re too assertive, you’re labeled ‘difficult.’ If you’re too accommodating, you risk being seen as a pushover. I’ve learned to be direct and confident in my decisions. I make sure my work speaks for itself, but I also demand the same respect and recognition that my male counterparts receive.”
On breaking stereotypes:
“There’s this outdated narrative that women in the industry are only good for PR or artist management. But we’re producers, sound engineers, A&Rs — the list goes on. I’ve had to remind people time and time again that I’m not here to check a diversity box — I’m here because I’m damn good at what I do.”
Baddie the Music Blogger: Rewriting the Rules with Every Post
On carving her niche:
“It’s wild how often people assume that because I’m a woman blogging about music, I must be some sort of ‘groupie with a platform.’ The reality is, I’m dissecting trends, breaking stories, and shaping narratives. Blogging isn’t just about hyping artists — it’s strategic work that influences how the audience engages with music.”
On overcoming industry dismissal:
“There’s a definite bias where men are seen as the ‘serious critics’ and women are seen as ’emotional fans.’ I’ve had my opinions brushed off simply because I’m a woman. But passion doesn’t cancel out professionalism. I back my takes with research and consistency. At the end of the day, the work speaks louder than the bias.”
On community and change:
“The women in Afrobeats are building something powerful. It’s not just about being seen — it’s about being heard and respected. We’re forming networks, supporting one another, and making it impossible for anyone to ignore our impact. The goal isn’t just to be in the room — it’s to change the entire dynamic of the room.”
These three women embody the spirit of #AccelerateAction. They aren’t waiting for permission — they are taking their rightful place at the table and reshaping the landscape of Afrobeats. The road ahead is long, but with women like Fadehan Okpeseyi, Aniflexx, and Baddie the Music Blogger leading the charge, the future of Afrobeats looks undeniably bold and brilliantly female.
