The term “Girl Power” which symbolises strength, resilience, and beauty has long been etched in the fabric of African culture.
In Afrobeats, this idea of Girl Power has been celebrated, explored, and redefined by some of Nigeria’s most talented female artists. From Tiwa Savage’s empowering anthems to Yemi Alade’s rallying cries for female independence, these women have used their music to weave narratives that uplift, inspire, and celebrate the strong African woman.
In this edition of #BumpThis, we’re curating a playlist that honours the spirit of Girl Power—a playlist that showcases the best of Afrobeats’ female artists and their contributions to the genre.
So Beautiful — Asa
Asa dedicates “So Beautiful” to her mother. Although Asa’s mother has passed, she eulogises and asks us to join her to thank her mother. Powerful record.
T-Unit — Tems
What’s Girl Power without confidence? In T-Unit, Tems gets confident in her artistry, proud of what she’s achieved in a short time. She’s also protective of her gift, identity and energy, so much that she can go to war for them. Aside from being a praise and encouragement to self, it’s an inspiration to other aspiring women.
African Woman — Yemi Alade feat. Angelique Kidjo
“African Woman” is one of the standout songs on Yemi Alade’s new album, Rebel Queen. It calls on celebrating African girls and women everywhere and every day. Angelique Kidjo, an older champion of African music meets Yemi Alade, a younger generation standing on her shoulders. If there are Nigerian contemporary pop artists who have completely thrown themselves into exalting the image of the African feminine, Yemi Alade will come on top. Building on her previous works such as King of Queens, Mama Africa, Woman of Steel, Empress, Queendoncom, African Baddie, her latest, “Rebel Queen”, continues to eulogise African women and beauty.
Pan African Rockstar — Lady Donli
After adopting the “Pan African Rockstar” title, Lady Donli expanded it into a full-length album. The titular song, which captures the album’s central theme, makes her case for fulfilling her musical dream and the hard work and effort it takes to be great at her craft. This is a celebration of her personal achievement and the ground she has covered in her musical journey.
Woman Commando — Ayra Starr feat. Anitta and Coco Jones
With the supreme knowledge of self comes a fierce awareness. Ayra Starr, assured of her brilliance and suave, presents herself as a Commando
Koroba — Tiwa Savage
Whether you wear African waist beads or not, this jam trolls misogynistic and patriarchal societal expectations placed on African women who choose to live a life of enjoyment. If you like, accuse her of dating a politician because she can afford air travel and luxury deisgner goods, she’s not bothered. Tiwa Savage is simply saying that you can’t shame her for wanting a life of enjoyment.
As I Dey — Omawumi
Taking from Omawumi’s debut album, Wonder Woman, I look at the song “As I Dey,” which raises a strong relationship issue. She sings about an understanding partner, not the gullible type, the one who’s nonjudgmental and gives grace. She talks about the busy nature of her job as a musician and how her partner should consider that when she’s unavailable. Omawumi makes her stance: if you won’t take her as she is, leave her alone.
The Truth — Waje
Waje’s debut album is titled Words Aren’t Just Enough, an acronym of her stage name. It’s not a mistake that she has a lot to say on “The Truth,” the opening of Red Velvet, her second album. She sets herself free by telling the truth to a lover she doesn’t love deeply. But maybe it’s good the man knows where her head is at. This ballad is about letting go of love that isn’t meant to be. Be like Waje, tell the truth today and be free from that relationship baggage.
Woman to Woman — Simi
“Woman to woman” suggests women appreciating, empowering, uplifting each other. This is Simi’s love letter to all women.
