The music industry is like a beacon of hope to women worldwide. In Rwanda, females have contributed a lot in the growth of the local music industry, from the iconic pieces of Miss Jojo like ‘Tukabyine’ and ‘Beletilida’, to the recent take-over of young female artistes such as Ariel Ways, Rita Ange Kagaju, Alyn Sano and many others. However, women participation in Rwanda’s music industry is still low, according to the number of female players. “It is possible to achieve gender diversity and equality in music,” says Nikita Heaven, an upcoming Rwandan female artiste. However, Nikita also indicates that in the last few years, the industry has seen many females merging, something she believes that if continued, can make a big impact in empowering women to take Rwandan music to another level. DJ Sonia “Music can deliver a thousand messages to millions of people in a short period of time. Let’s try to empower fellow women through our art,” she says. For DJ Sonia, one of the few female disc jockeys in the country, it is the right time to be part of this industry due to the way it provides a safe platform for women to move forward and grow. She also advises young females who want to pursue their career in music to not hesitate, promising them that it will pay off. Sonia was in DR Congo last weekend to headline a show. “There is nothing men can do that women can’t do. As a DJ, I can assure all the ladies out there that this is the right time to be in music,” the young female deejay adds. Ibrahim Cyusa, a renowned traditional singer, also believes that more female representation is needed in the Rwandan music industry. Cyusa, who released a song that describes the power of women titled ‘Mama’, says that gender equality should be in every sector, not leaving behind Rwanda’s creative industry. During a Women’s Day show that took place at the Centre Culturel Francophone du Rwanda, Teta Diana also encouraged women to be part of music. In the middle of her performance she applauded women who are already part of the music journey in Rwanda, saying that even more should represent others in this field. Teta already has a movement, ‘RAW Music’, that aims to revolutionise Rwanda’s music industry with women at the forefront. Producer Chrisy Neat Pro, who is among the women in this movement and also the only female producer in Rwanda, urges Rwandan females to be part of music, especially in production which has few female players. In a recent interview with The New Times, she says that being a female producer makes artistes of the same gender feel protected. “There are many women who were harassed in studios, but now there is an option of going where you feel safe. Female participation in music in Rwanda is highly needed,” she adds.
