All over the world, women are indoctrinated into patriarchal beliefs via books, articles and films. And music. Especially music. From lyrics degrading women to songs that demean Black women’s features, music has been a strong tool in passing on misogynistic beliefs.
However, books, music and movies can also be agents of feminist beliefs and mindsets. Several Black female singers and girl groups have used their songs to push themes of agency and they deserve to be celebrated.
Urban Woman Magazine recently asked some women to share the Black female singers who inspire them and why.
Read their responses below.
Dee
“Always stay gracious, best revenge is your paper.”
“Monday, I’m overrated. Tuesday, on my dick.”
“Comfortable in my skin. Cozy with who I am.”
“Brown skin girl, your skin just like pearls. The best thing in the world.”
These lyrics and many more from Beyoncé are my mantra. I grew up listening to Beyoncé because my siblings are 90 kids, so I didn’t exactly have a choice. I never really understood her lyrics as a child, I just enjoyed the songs. They were danceable and melodious. Fast forward to secondary school when I started analysing her lyrics from “irreplaceable” to “flawless” to “pretty hurts” centered on growing as a Black woman. Beyoncé would preach self-love, sisterhood, feminism, inclusivity, and most importantly, being a girl boss.
I started wearing blonde because of Beyoncé. It started as something fun to do, just like copying my idol, then it turned into radical. As Black women, there are many restrictions to what we can do with our hair. When I started doing blonde, people would tell me it didn’t fit me, it’s too loud, didn’t fit my skin tone and I said well I will continue doing it, go kill yourself. 🤣
Because Beyoncé achieves, I know I can achieve anything in this racist and patriarchal world—a world that doesn’t want Black women to thrive. Do you see what she’s doing for the Black culture? In her words, never ask for permission for what is already yours. An expression emphasizing her autonomy. She doesn’t need permission to cross genres, most especially genres that were stolen from black people.
Finally, she’s also taught me to be patient even though i’ve not been, lol. Her historic Grammy win after many denials, wow. Me sef go make am one day.
I could go on and on about Beyoncé being everything, but I will keep it cool. 😚
Tee
Off my head, Little Simz.
I spent an ungodly amount of time listening and dancing away to her songs today.
PN
Ayra Starr.
This lady motivated me to love my body, including my skin tone and body frame, and to highlight my best features.
Because she has reached such heights at my age, I know I can too. She is my inspiration.
RE
Beyoncé is the definition of excellence. She’s worked so hard over the years. Her hard work shows in the work she puts out. When I listen to Beyoncé I feel empowered. What I feel is like I’m ballooning off the ground. It took her years to finally win AOTY with an entirely different style of music. Her albums are significant, reminders of different eras. And in these albums I have learnt that as women we can evolve as many times as we want. I love Beyonce so much because it’s more than the music for me.
Ayra Starr’s persona shows me that you can be a bright star at a young age. She inspires me. She doesn’t let stereotypes hold her down. She’s flying and she’s also very good at her craft.
Tems also reminds her that you know what you can be different from everyone. You don’t have to sound like everyone, you’ll still be successful.
At the core of these three women for me is excellence. They put in the work and they are reaping the fruits.
Angel Nduka-Nwosu is a writer, journalist and editor. She moonlights occasionally as a podcaster on As Angel Was Sayin’. Catch her on all socials @asangelwassayin.