The music industry is as exhilarating as it is challenging, particularly for women who must constantly navigate its unique hurdles.
As sisters, artists, and women, we – Lal X LOLA – have experienced the complexities of this space.
What has kept us grounded is our family and the right management team, our safe spaces that allow us to flourish. Yet, even with these pillars of support, the waters we’ve had to navigate remain far from smooth.
The Weight of Compromise
One of the harshest realities we’ve observed in the industry is how women who have compromised their values for opportunities indirectly perpetuate a cycle that impacts others.
When a woman feels compelled to acquiesce to certain expectations, gatekeepers begin to assume that all women will do the same. This creates an environment where upcoming women are subjected to similar treatment, making it even harder for those of us determined to rise with integrity.
It’s a painful truth, but one we must confront: the actions of one can ripple across an entire generation.
To these gatekeepers, we say: “Man no be God”. Our worth and talent cannot be diminished by your attempts to reduce us to what we’re willing to “give up.” Our value lies in our craft, not in our submission to unspoken demands.
The Cost of Protection
It is deeply unfortunate that so many successful women in the industry have had to go to extraordinary lengths to protect themselves from those who seek to take advantage of them.
Take Tems, for example, who has spoken openly about her decision to wear oversized clothing to recording sessions to deter unwanted advances. This speaks to a broader issue: women must actively shield themselves in environments that should celebrate their talent, not prey on their vulnerability.
As artistes, we’ve learned to say no, to set boundaries, and to create spaces where we feel safe. But it shouldn’t have to be this way. The industry needs to do better by women—to foster an environment that respects their humanity as much as their talent.
The Challenges of Performance Spaces
Beyond the interpersonal dynamics, there are structural challenges that women in the industry face, especially in performance settings. For instance, the tuning of microphones at shows and concerts is often optimized for male vocals. Women, whose vocal ranges and timbres are different, often find themselves adjusting mid-performance to accommodate. For us, LALI X LOLA, this has meant learning to speak in lower tones during performances to ensure we don’t come across as “obnoxious” when our voices hit higher frequencies.
Then there’s the physical layout of stages. Event organizers rarely consider the unique needs of female performers. Simple things like stage stairs or layouts often fail to account for women performing in heels or high boots. We’ve seen firsthand how this oversight increases the likelihood of accidents, and it’s yet another reminder that women’s experiences are often an afterthought in an industry that should cater to all its artists equally.
Women Supporting Women
Despite these challenges, we remain hopeful. One of the most powerful tools we have is solidarity among women in the industry. By supporting one another, sharing our stories, and standing firm in our values, we can challenge the norms that have held us back for so long.
We believe it’s important for women to show up for one another, whether through mentorship, collaborations, or simply by creating safe spaces where our voices can be heard. Together, we can dismantle the structures that seek to limit us and build a future where women can thrive without fear of exploitation or compromise.
Our Message to the Industry
To the gatekeepers who perpetuate these challenges, we reiterate: “Man no be God”.
Women in the music industry are here to stay, and we’re not just going to survive—we’re going to thrive. To every woman navigating this space: know your worth, set your boundaries, and surround yourself with people who uplift and protect you.
Your talent is enough. Your voice is enough. You are enough.
At LALI X LOLA, we’re committed to creating a legacy that reflects not just our music, but our values. The road may be treacherous, but with resilience, integrity, and the right support, we believe that every woman in this industry can and will succeed.
There is so much space for all of us to “Break barriers and shatter limits.”
