By Gloria Adhiambo

Being a woman in a male dominated field has so many pressures to it. A woman can not be one thing i.e good at music or acting, she has to come ready, she has to be physically fit, talented and ooze sex appeal.

This has always cut across to most women in the industry not just in Kenya but around the world.

These societal pressures have led to unwanted sexual favors by men in exchange for fame and wealth that can only be enjoyed per time.

Most women are forced to give in with the promise of getting gigs, being on rotation and being featured for interviews on the various media platforms.

Cases of sexual favours have been order of the day across the creative sector globally, some are known while others are talked about in hushed tones.

Some producers and radio presenters have turned into sexual predators and are known to be behind "The Back for ground" policy at all levels of the music chain has seen female some creatives give in with hopes of rising up the ladder and making it.

It is impossible to grasp the magnitude of what these challenges have done to our female creatives until forced to confront it directly.

I have had the privilege of meeting some of these artistes who have gone through sexual harassment in order for them to have their works or music featured on various platforms.

Some women in the creative industry have been forced to shelve their dreams owing to lack of funds to either produce their music, family obligations among other things. 

Other issues that have crippled the rise of female creatives is unnecessary competition and lack of mentors to walk with them as they advance in their careers.

It's time for the established female creatives to hold the hands of their younger ones and guide them through the pros and cons of the industry.

Lastly is self-sabotaging oneself because of the Imposter syndrome always looking for validation and berating your performance.

How does one make it as a woman? Focusing on your purpose and blocking out the noise. Believing in yourself and learning to pick yourself up when you fail.

As a female creative believe that you have what it takes to make it and that  every opportunity you get is out of merit and not because your back was on the ground.

Temptations are there yes but be contented with that which you have and where you at, it's only a matter of time before you get to the top. Focus, Nurture and Work on Yourself because you owe it to yourself to be a better version of who you are.

Kenya has and is endowed with quite a number of female creatives who have gone through hurdles to be where they are, from hawking mitumbas, singing cover songs, doing other menial jobs just complement their music.

Artistes like Wahu, Suzanna Owiyo, Nyota Ndogo, Vivianne, Nadia Mukami are still holding forte and have shown that being a woman in the male dominated industry is still possible.

It's high time the upcoming female artistes rise up to the occasion and change the narrative by ensuring they are heard and vocal about issues affecting them.

Enough of playing the gender card, invite yourself to the table and take charge.

The writer is the co-founder and CEO at Clientele PR.

Tanzanian singer Ben Pol has expressed interest in marrying Zuchu.

In a video he shared on his instagram page, Ben Pol jokingly asks Zuchu's mother, Khadija Koppa to give him her daughter for marriage, considering his current relationship status.

"As you can see this is my mother and you all know my current situation. Let her give me the daughter" says Ben Pol.

Responding to Ben Pol's request, Khadija Kopa laughed about the matter without giving a direct response.

Last week Ben Pol  confirmed that he has filed for divorce against his Kenyan wife, Arnelisa Muigai.

The singer asked for space and privacy for himself and his family during what he has termed as  a difficult time.

"These issues are very private and since the case is in the Primary court in Dar es Salaam, I would not want it to be discussed further for the respect to all parties involved and with respect for the Courts law," said Ben Pol.

Read here: http://ommydalla.co.ke/buzz/item/2187-ben-pol-confirms-he-is-divorcing-anerlisa

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i has gazetted Friday, May 14, 2021 as a public holiday.

This is to allow Kenyan Muslims to celebrate end of the holy month of Ramadhan, Idd-ul-Fitr.

This was communicated in a special gazette notice issued by CS Matiang'i.

“It is notified for the general information of the public that the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Co-ordination of National Government, in exercise of the powers conferred by section 2(1) of the Public Holidays Act, declares that Friday, the 14th May, 2021, shall be a public holiday to mark Idd-ul-Fitr,” reads the notice.

Grammy-nominated Jamaican reggae and dancehall singer Etana has revealed that she has featured Kenyan artists Wyre and Naiboi in her eighth studio album, set for release soon.

Taking to twitter, the 'Weakness In me' hitmaker also announced the name of the album. She also said she has sung in Kiswahili .

She said "My 8th studio album is called 'Pamoja', which means together."

Adding" "It features many great artistes you know and love. Some you may even grow to love or love more. It’s time to get together. I will name two: Naiboi and Wyre."

Femi One has teased the release of her upcoming album- Greatness.

The successful femcee posted a mysterious Artwork on all her social media platforms on Tuesday 4th of May.

The album's name is a testament of the tremendous growth Femi has had over her 7 years in the entertainment industry.

Greatness which is Femi One’s debut album is destined to catapult her more into the limelight.

 Already respected and adored from her previous hit songs and extended playlist, Femi One is the first female rapper from our generation to release an album. 

Femi One is considered the most successful female rapper in Africa today.

Greatness combines her signature punch lines, funny nuances, thought provoking rawness with a funky new age twist.

All her songs are a labour of love for her fans; a powerful package that is set to make history. 

Femi One who is currently signed under Kaka Empire was recently announced as the first African female brand ambassador for the international Monster Energy drink.

Versatile German based Nigerian singer, Na’yo comes through with a new song titled “Panda” specially dedicated to South Africa’s Brenda Fassie who was an anti-apartheid Afropop singer, songwriter, dancer and activist.

Affectionately called MaBrrr by her fans, she was the "Queen of African Pop", the "Madonna of The Townships" or simply as The Black Madonna. Her bold stage antics earned a reputation for "outrageousness".

Brenda Fassie who was also the niece of the late President Nelson Mandela died in Sunninghill, Sandton, South Africa in 2004.

Watch Panda Video - https://youtu.be/tI8Zj8lCyVw

Na’Yo who is working closely with Bigdo Music Empire is a talented and gifted musical artist who has always come through with beautifully crafted and scintillating songs like “Joanna” which he released in September, 2020 that gave him global recognition.

He is now back at it with a new song “Panda” where he switches from English to Igbo then finally to Swahili language to bring back the memories of Late Brenda Fassie and not just that he also samples her most popular song “Vulindlela.”

Motivated by a desire to make music that goes deeper than entertainment, in an emotional, introspective journey filled with music that calms, inspires, motivates, and celebrates the beauty and complexity of life.