The world over, music has been a tool for diverse functions, which has aided individuals and societies in numerous ways. Aside from entertaining, educating, and informing, music has been used as a tool to empower, celebrate, and document the stories of people and memories that may have been lost to time without music.
Recognizing the impact and influence of music, women have employed it over the years as a tool to not only seek change but also to empower, encourage, and celebrate themselves for the many things they do for society. As we go through life, there are times when we need a reminder of what women have done and continue to do, not just for themselves but for the system that tries to keep them down. There is also the need to amplify and encourage women to not allow the system to keep them down because, in reality, it is they who run the world.
From breaking glass ceilings in politics, business, sports, tech, and entertainment, among many other things, we must celebrate and appreciate what women continue to do for themselves and the world at large. As such, we at Imullar have curated a list of some amazing artists and their songs that celebrate, inspire, and empower women as we roll through this month of celebrating women around the world.
Manal
The Moroccan rapper and activist Manal has always used her music to tackle several social issues, including discrimination, struggles women face in the Moroccan art space, and gender-based violence, among other issues women face daily in Morroco.
Ria Boss
The Cat Mama Ria Boss has championed women’s issues for as long as her career has spanned. Being a founder of Black Girls Glow, an all-women creative initiative that brings women creatives together to make music and build community. Her music has been a tool to empower and celebrate women. Through her company, Kitten’s Palace, she continues to create opportunities for women to thrive in the creative space.
Baaba J
Songwriter, performer, and activist. Baaba J has always shown up for women’s courses in her songs and social media platforms. She has written songs that have addressed abuse, racism, inequality, community, and self-love.\
Lira
Award-winning South African singer Lira has been very vocal about social causes through her music. Her impact as a voice for women and girls, as well as positive change, has seen her mount several stages globally. To crown her works, she had a Barbie doll made in her likeness in 2019 as the first African woman to have that made for her by Mattel as part of the global campaign to celebrate inspirational women.
Mēl
The producer and multi-instrumentalist has been building a name for herself within the music space. Mēl has been an advocate for women joining forces to make music to speak on women related issues because no one can fully tell the stories of women better than women themselves.
Amaarae
Known as the “bad bitch whisperer,” Amaarae’s music has always been one to encourage women to live their best lives and not allow themselves to be boxed in by patriarchal society. Her songs urge women to embody their “baddieness” and not shy away from being the Queens they are.
Ayra Starr
A vocalist on and off the mic. As the Sabi Girls president, Ayra Star has used her platforms to always show support and celebrate women while calling out men and anyone else who wants to police women and what they do. In her most recent song, “Commas”, the “Smallie Wey Dey Mighty,” encourages women to stack up their money while they make the most of what life has to offer.
Queen Drie
The Chicago-based Ghanaian rapper and singer, Queen Drie, has been using her music as a tool to amplify the stories of women. From celebrating mothers in her song Mother to encouraging women to continue bossing it and owning their positions in every space they find themselves in.
Kim of Diamonds
Malawian singer and songwriter Kim has been one of the most inspiring artists around. Not only has her music been a reflection of the realities of women, empowering and celebrating them but she has also been an influence for women who want to pursue a career in the music business.
