I’m constantly raving to my friends about a new song I’m listening to or a new book I’m reading, written by an amazing female author or that even has a strong female lead. I’m constantly watching female chefs on youtube and on Master Chef and it has been truly fascinating and equal parts disturbing to realize that although society has said for years that a woman’s place is said to be in the kitchen, the percentage of women as professional chefs and restaurant owners is less than 20% in developed countries and 7% worldwide.
We will discuss that atrocity in some other post. For today, I want to talk about and celebrate women in music. Music will forever be an outlet of emotions and a topic of conversation, and so these classics as well as powerful journal-like tracks, by the most amazing women, totally have my heart.
Faouzia is the newest on my list and her powerful voice makes me feel like I’m running through a large field of hay with a mind as powerful as canons. Minefield and Tears of Gold are pure art.
H.E.R and Sza are high up on my list. They make me think of nappy hair and brown skin drenched with shea butter glistening in the sun.
H.E.R has been claiming Grammys since 2019 and rightfully so. At just 23, her production, vocals, strength and message in her music is very deserving of all the four Grammys she currently has to her name.
Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade are two women carrying the Nigerian music industry and doing an amazing job at it.
Ari Lennox
If you haven’t heard Chika then I suggest you do so right after this article. Grammy nominated, fierce and very present rapper, her conscious songs always leave me feeling more powerful and like I have a say in how the world turns out.
I definitely cannot end this list without Beyonce. Just a few days ago, she broke the record for the female singer with the most Grammys and even helped her daughter get one too. Let’s just say she’s living up to her lyric, “When I leave this world, I’ll leave no regrets
Leave something to remember, so they won’t forget I was here.”
This list is also to acknowledge the young female artists from everywhere in the world.
With or without the fancy awards and global recognition, women have made music to inspire, change narratives and change their world. And I am forever grateful to all of them. Known or unknown.
Add some of these artists to your playlists and enjoy!