THE BOYS' CLUB

Dominated by men over the years, the music industry is making strides to be more inclusive, but has the industry changed enough for women to strive forth with this as a career?

- GEZZY SINQOBILE SIBISI

The music industry remains a boys' club, with women granted conditional access under inhumane conditions, and allegations of sexual abuse swept under the carpet for decades until the filth implodes, as evidenced by the allegations against Harvey Weinstein, R Kelly, P Diddy and the like.

Male producers, record company executives and other musicians are notorious for taking advantage of, and mistreating female artists. However, it has also been revealed that even those in close circles (such as band members and other male colleagues) are known to make derogatory sexist remarks, "misinterpret" friendly behaviour as flirting and request sexual favours for business deals as various artists in South Africa have shared in harrowing accounts on social media.

In South Africa, sexual harassment was only recognised as a concept during the 1950s. It was a time when the music industry was thriving, with talented female artists experimenting with their sexual appeal to suit various roles for their performances, according to a study from the University of Witwatersrand titled Women, Gender and Identity in Popular Music-making in Gauteng. Industry gatekeepers made up of influential men in the business were formed, and the boys' club was born.

These men were known for what is termed, “quid pro quo harassment” - they would ask for sexual favours from female artists in exchange for career opportunities. If you refused their sexual advances, they would fire you or create a hostile working environment that would ultimately force you to quit, the study states.