Nigerian women, aside from redefining the dominance of women in the music industry, also know how to exercise their innate rights to do as they please and draw boundaries through their music.
As it’s Women’s History Month, we take the time to acknowledge some of these female artists who use their music as a canvas for expressing their freedom.
Here are 10 songs by Nigerian women about feminine empowerment:
1. Woman Commando by Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr doesn’t just sing—she leads. “Woman Commando” is a sonic war cry. “Follow the woman commando,” she belts, flanked by Anitta and Coco Jones, turning the track into a global flex of female dominance. Ayra uses this song to appreciate the very feminine essence while also suggesting that women be their own bosses.
2. Koroba by Tiwa Savage
Nothing speaks feminine liberation like “Koroba” by Tiwa Savage. The singer opens the song with “I no come this life to suffer, if I follow politician” — she expresses her freedom to do just as she pleases.
3. Woman by Simi
Simi’s “Woman” is the ideal feminine empowerment song that isn’t talked about enough. In this track, she acknowledges the ordeals of an average woman, revealing the standards by which today’s society views a woman—marriage, man, child.
4. Dreamer Girl by Asa
Asa’s 2010 gem from Beautiful Imperfection is quieter but no less fierce. “I dream of simple things every day,” she muses, painting a portrait of ambition that doesn’t shout but whispers with intent. This is a track for a lady who knows her worth lies in her vision, a dreamer building empires one note at a time.
5. Loaded by Tiwa Savage ft Asake
Tiwa Savage dropped “Loaded” just about the time when her sex tape leaked. The female singer acknowledges the video while remaining defiant on how a case as little as “sex tape” can in no way bring her down—“sex tape ko le ba aye mi je” she croons.
6. Rush by Ayra Starr
Ayra Starr’s “Rush,” a 2022 standout from 19 & Dangerous, is pure adrenaline. “E dey rush well well, e be much,” she sings, a testament to hustle that pays off. It’s the anthem of a young lady who’s outrun the doubters, leaving them in the dust of her glitter-streaked ascent.
7. Try Me by Tems
“Try Me” is Tems’ steely-eyed stare-down to anyone who dares test her. “You try to challenge me, challenge me,” she taunts, her voice a velvet blade. It’s the sound of one who’s weathered storms and come out sharper, stronger, untouchable.
8. Away by Ayra Starr
“Away” is Ayra Starr’s breakup letter to toxicity. “Take away your trouble / And leave me please,” she demands, her tone cool but firm. One of the core strengths of a woman is being able to wield the strength to walk away from what drains her, and Ayra Starr captures it in this track. This is for the boss ladies who know walking away is power.
9. So Inspired by Waje
Waje’s voice yields strength that could move mountains, and in “So Inspired,” a 2010 motivational gem, it does. “Even if I fall or stumble / I won’t let it get to me,” she vows, with Muna’s rap adding fire to the uplift. It’s her mantra: stumble, sure, but never stay down.
10. Ferrari by Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade rounds out this list with “Ferrari,” a hit from her album, Mama Africa. “If you love me you go buy me Ferrari,” she teases, her playful demand laced with steel. With reference to humor, she represents a woman who knows her worth and will not be swayed by mere words—she’s saying “put your mouth where your money is.”
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