Swangz Avenue recording and performing singer Zafaran, born Josephine Nakyoonyi, says she is tired and fed up of the sexual advances that male artists front before giving out collaborations.
Taking to her X account (formerly Twitter) where she vented her frustrations, Zafaran said she finds it disheartening for a male artist to front sleeping with a female musician rather than their talent.
The “Otulo” singer believes that the arts sector (music industry) should be a place of mutual respect, and professional integrity, rather than a marketplace for exploitation.
Zafaran thus urged her fellow musicians who have faced similar challenges to stand up for themselves and strive for better conditions.
As a female artist in Uganda, I am disheartened by what male artists take us through before we work with them. A male artist will ask for sex in return for a collaboration, Really??. Is that what other females are doing?? Our music industry should be a place of mutual respect and professional integrity, not a marketplace for exploitation. I stand with every woman who has faced similar challenges and call upon all of us to demand better. Let’s work together to create a music industry that values talent and collaboration over coercion and misconduct. I’m so tired & fed up
It is worth noting that Zafaran is not the only female musician to speak out against this issue, as many others have been exploited over the years, leading to a loss of interest in their careers.
