It’s 2020 and it’s no secret that the music industry is riddled with numerous roadblocks that prevent and disincentivize womxn from being a part of. If anything, it’s become glaringly more obvious. From gender stereotypes that diminish and discount our craft, to sexual assault and harassment, it’s safe to say that the industry has been far from welcoming to womxn.
Platforms such as Femme Africa are dedicating their efforts to making sure more womxn are seen and heard in the industry are going beyond the hype of “womxn empowerment”, and are actually showcasing womxn both in front and behind the scenes. From the DJ’s to the artists, it’s a welcoming change of pace to see more womxn entering previously male-dominated spaces. Despite this, there’s still more to be done.
Meet Thoko Dlamini; Music Editor, Engineer and Manager, who’s making waves on the scene. FEMME MAG caught up with the self-proclaimed “R&B” kid to speak about the music industry, Womxn’s Month in South Africa and what she’s currently listening to.
What does Womxn’s Month in South Africa mean to you?
It means a time where I can take stock of how grateful I am. I am grateful for the opportunities that I enjoy today that womxn before me have fought for. I am very aware that the things that I enjoy wouldn’t be possible if not for them, especially as a womxn that works in the entertainment industry. It’s a fight you know? But it would be an even bigger fight if there wasn’t a constant push for progression. I’m grateful.
What are some things you want to see more of in your industry?
More female executives. Like… a lot more. I’m tired of men being in spaces and abusing their power. We need more female engineers, producers – everything. Not having womxn occupy those spaces affects a lot more than we’d like to admit. We aren’t there and so the industry takes advantage of that. I also produce and I can’t tell you the number of times people aren’t comfortable with that. There’s an expectation of what a producer or an engineer looks like and it’s incredibly narrow. For starters, they’re white. So to have a young black womxn trying to produce and engineer is not something they’re used to. If more people were intentional about putting womxn in those positions it’ll become the norm. You won’t be surprised by my presence.
Who’s on your radar on the music scene at the moment in terms of female S.A musicians.
Elaine!! She just got signed to Columbia Records and it’s such an achievement. I don’t think there’s been a South African R&B artist that’s done that. It’s a big win not only for South Africa but Africa as a whole.
Credits: Elaine Instagram
Can you tell us who you’re currently listening to?
I listen to everything because I’m a music editor at Apple Music. I almost have to listen to a lot of things for my job. I’m a big R&B and jazz kid but currently, I’m really liking Afro-fusion on the continent. I’m listening to Adekunle Gold and Fireboy.
What are some of your hopes for the future?
I just want more change if I’m being very honest. There’s a lot more to be done. I want to see a more collective effort where we are putting more womxn on and giving them more opportunities. Because that matters. Seeing someone that looks like you in different spaces matters. Growing up I was very fortunate to feel like I didn’t necessarily have any limits when it came to things that I could do. If I wanted to be a doctor, I could. And you know why? Because I saw other black doctors and so it wasn’t this far-fetched ideal for me because I saw it. Representation is very important because it sort of takes away those mental barriers that we put in place for ourselves.
