Legendary genge musician Kendi has voiced her observations on the favorable conditions enjoyed by today’s female musicians in the country compared to the challenges she and her contemporaries faced. Kendi, recognized as one of the pioneering female genge artists, reflected on the profound lack of respect that female musicians endured during their early years in the industry.
“Times have certainly changed. In our era, female musicians were unfairly stigmatized. Having your songs played required acquiescing to bedroom demands from those in power. Sadly, this was the norm, and disturbingly, some of the individuals who pressured me for such favors are still active in the industry,” Kendi revealed. She acknowledged that her refusal to compromise her values had consequences, but she remains steadfast in her pride for upholding her principles.
“I’m grateful for my upbringing. I didn’t resort to compromising my integrity to climb the ladder. A few of my peers took that path, and indeed, their careers took off while mine faced stagnation before I achieved recognition. If I had caved in to their requests, I might have achieved greater fame than I have today,” she mused.
Kendi also highlighted the evolution in the landscape for female musicians striving to promote their music. “Nowadays, some producers demand money to feature a song on rotation. Back in our day, an unspoken rule dictated that it required bedroom compromises. Some even went as far as requesting gifts along with the compromises. Our journey was incredibly arduous,” Kendi lamented. She also pointed out the disparity in compensation as a significant hurdle her generation confronted.
“Despite your talent or the popularity of your music, pay was consistently unequal compared to male counterparts. Even in promotional efforts, male artists were given more support,” she noted. Commending the late Lady S for her trailblazing role among female artists of the past, Kendi recounted instances where the deceased artist bravely confronted male peers when faced with inappropriate advances. Lady S played a pivotal role in changing the landscape for female musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
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