Speaking on the Wahala Podcast, the 19-year-old lamented the unequal standards applied to women in music, noting that they are often compelled to put in “twice as much work” as their male counterparts to gain visibility and respect.
“The [music] industry is not the best for women in terms of protecting women, loving women in general,” she said. “Women have to do twice as much work as their male counterparts. Women are oftentimes criticised for nothing. But they don’t do that to the men. The men have the right to do whatever they like, but for the women, society just wants to box women so much.”
She added that female artists face constant societal pressure that attempts to restrict their creative freedom while subjecting them to harsher criticism compared to men.
Reflecting on her own experience, Qing Madi said the challenge feels particularly overwhelming given her age. “I go through that, which is crazy because I’m 19. So what do you want me to do? Women never get a break,” she remarked.
Despite these obstacles, she expressed pride in being part of Nigeria’s female music community, commending the resilience of women who continue to thrive in a male-dominated space. “I’m super proud of being a female artist in Nigeria. And I’m super proud of every female artist in Nigeria because it takes a lot (to be one). It’s not easy,” she said.
Her remarks add to a growing conversation on gender inequality within Africa’s entertainment sector, where female performers continue to push for recognition, respect, and safer working conditions.