Where are the Female Nigerian Producers?
Female Nigerian musicians are increasingly claiming space in today’s music scene. Singers, rappers, and songwriters are gaining momentum and earning recognition from both the industry and fans. Unlike the 2000s and 2010s, when only a few women broke through, there is now a growing cohort reaching the same heights as their male counterparts.
But does this progress extend to the technical side of music? Where are the Nigerian women who produce, engineer, mix, and master tracks? Although there are no official statistics, it is widely acknowledged that female producers in Nigeria are extremely few. This scarcity can disadvantage female artists. Tems, for example, has spoken about learning production early in her career because she struggled to find producers willing to work with her.
Why are so few women working strictly as producers? Sexism, financial barriers, limited mentorship, and lack of visible role models all play a part. Misogyny and toxic masculinity continue to influence the industry, even as more women enter creative spaces.
Still, the environment is shifting. A new wave of young Nigerian women is pushing into music production with determination. Through mentorship and training programmes like ‘The Leading Vibe Initiative’ and ‘SheRunsTheBoards’, communities like ‘WeAreProduchers’, and social media visibility, women like Dunnie, Bloody Civilian, Babyrix Burger, Kleros, and many more are redefining what a producer looks like and setting new standards for the industry.
Their rise signals a future where women are not just the voices on the track, but the architects of the sound itself.