Is the music industry in Seychelles still male-dominated? |16 June 2016

Sandra, Joenise Juliette, Tania and Marie-Antoinette Dodin are all examples of local female musicians finding huge success alongside their male counterparts, but can we say that men and women are equally represented in the music industry in Seychelles, do they have the same opportunity?

The role of women in the music industry in Seychelles has become an increasingly present topic as women continue to flourish in this male-saturated business, although there’s still a long way to go.

At Seychelles Nation, we wanted to celebrate this positive progression, as well as spark a much-needed discussion about what else needs to change so that the industry can continue to move forward with men and women working together as equals.

Since the beginning of the year, we have seen much wonderful collaboration between men and women, who have created some amazing lyrics and songs that have become so popular.  We have seen songs such as Mesan by Hudson Dorothe and Marie-Antoinette Dodin; Lesplozyon lanmour by Ion Kid and Tania; En Solisyon by Ion Kid and Sandra; and recently we have witnessed a new album Fanm Seselwa featuring only female artists, devoted to make a name for themselves in this big industry.

We managed to gather some views on that subject with some of the major artists in the music industry.

Joseph Sinon: “There are more men than women in the music industry in Seychelles, but both are performing at the same level. I’ve discovered many women with wonderful voices singing in church choirs but they are afraid to come out. It’s not fair to say that men are better, we are all on the same level, but we need to encourage more women to come ‘out of their shell’,” he said.

Joenise Juliette: “Today in Seychelles we have more men than women in the music industry, but there is an evolution in the music industry in Seychelles; many youths are coming out to create some brilliant music.  I myself have worked really hard to be where I am today. Last year we managed to form a band comprising only women. If we all work together, we will do amazing music,” she said.

DJ Ezy-D: “As a DJ and a producer, I can honestly say that men are still dominant because there are more men than women in this industry.  Since the beginning of this year we have witnessed so many young talented artists such as Daryl Alcindor, Louis Gang, Gunz who have come out with a new style. On Paradise FM we play only the hits music. Such music comes mostly from men, we have hits from women but not that much. Women need to adapt to the new style, should not be afraid to reach the top, and always be positive,” he said.

Daryl Alcindor: “Men are more dominant, we don’t see many women in the industry. Yes we have a few who are still shining. I think that women are afraid, they need to explore their surrounding, and expose themselves (artistically)  more,” he said.

 Telcy: “I think that we have equal rights in this industry. Although there are more men than women (in the music industry) that does not make them (the men) better.  We all are treated the same way at a show, we all communicate together very well; men are not different from us.  But for women to be more popular in such industry we need that support from our family, friends among others.  We women are ready to shine, and create wonderful albums, we have the National Arts Council that is supporting us,” she said.

Sandra: “Everyday on the radio I can hear music from both men and women being broadcast. I can’t say which ones are more dominant, there’s a balance. But obviously there are more men than women. So I call on every woman who has that talent to come forward and shine. Music is a means to express yourself, it can make your problems fade away,” he said.

However, my personal opinion as a journalist towards this is that women have a harder time “making it big” in the music industry in Seychelles than men do. But why is this? Is it because women are seen more as an eye candy, rather than seen for their musical talent per se? I think when it comes to women, could you even class “female music” as a genre in itself?

But women in Seychelles are working hard, an oftentimes have proven that they have what it takes to be on a par with the men in the music industry.  They have delivered some magnificent music, and they will continue to impress us every day.

U.J.