What is the actual dress code for women in Afrobeats?
Is there a memo we missed? A secret audition for male validation?
Because from the way the public behaves, especially online, you would think every female artist was dressing for a morality tribunal chaired by bitter uncles, repressed fanboys, and WiFi-enabled misogyny.
The truth is, being a woman in Afrobeats comes with an invisible uniform. Not just clothes, but attitudes. Expectations stitched together by double standards, respectability politics, and the fragile egos of those who believe femininity must always come with apology.
So here it is. The seven unofficial dress code for women in Afrobeats.
It is less about what you wear and more about what you are forced to carry.
1. Foundation: Thick Skin:
Before the heels and highlights, you better wear thick skin. Because talent will not protect you from scrutiny, not in this industry.
Drop a hit as a woman and they will critique your voice. Show skin and they will call it a distraction. Win awards and they will say you are overrated. Meanwhile, male artists lip-sync on stage in oversized designer fits and get praised for presence.
Fireboy’s sensuality is artistic. Tiwa’s is too much.
Rema can go shirtless on stage and trend for sex appeal. Ayra Starr’s miniskirt gets her labeled loose.
Thick skin is not optional. It is survival wear.
2. Blouse: Slim-Fit Confidence (Adjustable for Public Comfort):
You have to wear confidence, but it must be the right cut.
Too bold and you are arrogant. Too quiet and you are unserious.
Meanwhile, male acts are allowed to strut, sag, boast, and tweet like CEOs of the continent and get cheered for it.
Burna Boy declaring himself the African Giant raised brand equity.
Let a woman try that and she is suddenly not humble enough.
Women are asked to flatten their presence to fit narrow frames. Delicate, graceful, never disruptive. Even when they are building empires.
3. Accessories: Whispered Wins:
Wear your achievements like subtle jewelry. Do not flash that Grammy nod. Do not flaunt your streaming numbers. Speak softly about your brand deals even if your male counterparts would put it in a freestyle.
Tems winning a BET award is overhyped while Asake performing barefoot on global stages is cultural.
When men win, it is a movement. When women win, it is a footnote.
So yes, you can shine. Just dim the brightness a little. For their comfort.
4. Skirt: Age-Appropriate Modesty:
If you are over 30 and still showing thigh, brace yourself. The morality brigade is coming.
Olamide can father children, rap about strip clubs, and still be king. Davido can perform in sleeveless tanks into his thirties without protest.
But Seyi Shay or Waje in a cleavage-baring outfit at 35?
Suddenly everyone is a cultural custodian.
The industry wants women to be ageless but not aging. Sexy but not sexual. And never both.
5. Apron: Motherhood But Make It Martyrdom:
Have kids? Congratulations. Now disappear.
Male artists become fathers and instantly earn maturity points.
He is a real man now.
Women? They are expected to fold their careers into casseroles.
Male artists juggle babies and Billboard charts. Wizkid and Davido do it with applause.
Imagine if Yemi Alade had three baby daddies. Would she even have a career left?
The second a woman says she is a mum, the public puts her in a metaphorical housecoat. No tours. No dancing. No autonomy.
6. Shoes: High Heels of Endurance:
Men can release mid songs and get called experimental.
Women have to outperform themselves with every drop. Vocally, visually, emotionally.
Male stars can ghost fans for a year, come back with two lines, and the streets go wild. A female artist takes a break and she fell off.
Your shoes better be made for marathons. The boys cruise through backdoors. You are climbing every staircase in heels and expected to smile while doing it.
7. Bonus Pocket: Thin Patience (Essential)
This is your most underrated accessory.
You will need it for the comments section. For the unsolicited fashion advice. For the she is not humble takes. For people comparing you to newcomers half your age while giving washed male artists legend status.
When Tiwa Savage posts a bikini photo, they scream inappropriate.
When Portable posts chaos in boxers, they scream entertainment.
So yes, keep your patience close. But keep it thin. Too much tolerance and you will forget you deserve more.
In conclusion, sometimes the best way to survive is to log out. Sand, sun, skin out, and no apologies. Go soft. Go quiet. Go unbothered. Post that photo. Disrupt the algorithm with joy.
Because your life is not a soft launch. It is the headliner set. And you already booked the gig.
So next time someone says she should not be dressing like that,
Mail them sunscreen. Clearly, they cannot handle the heat women in Afrobeats bring.
