Haliyah Hales urges female musicians on proactive perspective to thrive

A Canada-based Nigerian singer, Haliyah Hales, has said that   women need to adopt a more proactive and optimistic perspective to thrive in the music industry.

Haliyah, whose real name is Ifedolapo Haliyat Arowolo, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said women need to work hard and work smart.

The singer,  who just released her  latest music video titled ‘Pressure’, said  women in the music industry were struggling compared to their male counterparts, mostly because of how people receive female artistes.

“I believe a lot of female artistes  like myself can do better when it comes to their music by never giving up and always keep pushing.

“I will say it is much more challenging and easier for male in the industry to network;  to meet people based on their talents;  they don’t have to necessary deal with discrimination sexually.

“Other people just believe that the female artistes do not stand the test of time in the industry.

“So, it is hard for them to invest in female artistes  mostly because they feel when the female artistes  get married, have kids, it is harder to make money,”she  said.

Haliyah also talked about how female artistes in the entertainment industry had to work ten times harder than their male counterparts.

“Generally, in the music industry, there are more males than females; so it is a male-dominated kind of industry.

“The very few females that are there work like ten times harder just to be noticed; that’s why I say you have to always up your creativity at every point in time.

“To be the best that you can do for your craft, do the things you’re supposed to do and believe in yourself, talent, dream and creativity.

“Always be a step ahead, also do other things that can bring you money to promote your music without depending on anyone.

“It reduces the risk of being abused or being sexualised especially when it comes to marketing and record label. I strongly will say to female artistes struggling out there to never give up,” she said.

Haliyah is a Toronto-based independent artiste, who sings in English and Yoruba; her music is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, pop and hip-hop.

Born in Nigeria, she harnessed her passion for singing at the very young age of eight years.

She began composing songs and performing her songs for her family, friends and classmates after school hours.

Haliyah became a sensation online after she released her single, ‘Whine Am’, which gained lots of attention in the media space and later spiced it up with her last sensational music video ‘Pressure’.

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