Teniola Apata, better known as Teni, set off a lively debate at Entertainment Week Africa 2025 in Lagos when she stated that no male artist in today’s music scene can out-sing women. Her remark came during a major session at the week-long event, which drew key voices from music, film, fashion, technology and entrepreneurship.
The gathering, held from November 18 to 23, placed a strong spotlight on Africa’s creative economy. Workshops, performances, industry talks and networking sessions created a platform for upcoming talent and established figures to exchange ideas.
Teni spoke alongside Tiwa Savage and other leading women in music. She called attention to long-standing industry biases and argued that women are not only shaping the sound of modern African music, but often outperform their male counterparts. She insisted that female vocalists bring a level of range and technique that deserves far greater recognition.
Her comment, “I don’t know any famous male artists who can match our singing abilities, mic for mic,” brought renewed attention to the issue of gender inequality in the music sector. The exchange set the tone for one of the event’s most discussed sessions, “The Price of Being Her: Power, Pay and the Cost of Visibility in Music,” where Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Waje, Qing Madi and others examined the pressures that follow women throughout their careers.
Tiwa opened the panel with a spoken word performance that held the audience still. She spoke about the long hours women invest in their craft and how talent is often overshadowed by image, gossip or the constant sexualization that shadows female artists. She noted that achievements are sometimes pushed aside while scandals take centre stage.
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Even with her concern over entrenched industry problems, Tiwa acknowledged men who have championed female talent over the years, including Don Jazzy and others who have offered support and mentorship when it mattered.
Teni followed with a message that added force to the conversation. She urged women to reject the idea of being secondary in an industry built on their work. She reminded the room that women have shaped generations of African music and continue to influence every corner of the creative landscape.
The session became one of the defining moments of EWA 2025, offering frank conversation about power, visibility and fair compensation. By bringing influential stars together with rising voices, it highlighted the depth of women’s contributions and the structural challenges they still confront.
