The Sexual Objectification of Women in Music

THE past decades have seen female artists embrace the global feminist movement in their music in terms of lyrics, choreography and music videos.

Without leaving out male artists who consider themselves feminists in their support of female musicians receiving the same opportunities as their male counterparts, a bigger number of female artists have taken a stand and used their influence to send a clear message about equality of the sexes.

With that said, over the years women have been used as sex symbols in different parts of entertainment and media. Women have long fallen victim to sexual objectification. An advert for a car would feature a woman in a bikini, magazines photoshop pictures of models to meet some false standard of beauty which is unattainable for the average woman.

The same objectification of women also takes place in music. Music videos and lyrics, especially in hip-hop and R B, often feature derogatory and sexist language and half naked, highly sexualised women. The referral to women as b*tches and h*es is commonplace and almost doesn’t even raise an eyebrow any more.

The music video for Nelly’s ‘Tip Drill’ has been described as misogynistic and defamatory to women, in addition to characterising them as mere sex symbols. The video is a crystal clear example of the sexual objectification of women in hip-hop music, something that has been and continues to be common.

Another video that spells misogyny and sexual objectification is ‘Blurred Lines’ by Robin Thicke featuring T.I. and Pharrell. Apart from the explicit lyrics, the video itself is a heap of scenes glorifying the objectification of women.

These are just two examples of the myriad of sexist and derogatory music videos which feature on television every day.

“No questions, no questions please, just on your knees … Blow, don’t sneeze, b*tches shut up, don’t breathe… not Ramadan but these b*tches fast. F*ck in the party, pull up her skirt, then skrr. Who her? I forgot her name.”

These lyrics, from the song ‘U Mad’ by Vic Mensah are shocking but sadly commonplace. Yes, someone actually recorded them and we actually listen to it.

Quoting from ‘Blurred Lines’, T.I. raps: “Had a b*tch, but she ain’t bad as you… I’ll give you something big enough to tear your *ss in two.”

“I love to lick the middle like an Oreo… Then I beat the p*ssy ‘til it’s blue,” croons R. Kelly in ‘Cookie’. Apart from likening the woman’s private parts to an Oreo, the entire song sexually degrades women in a nauseatingly disgusting manner.

This phenomenon is no stranger to our own music industry. As a number of Namibian musicians have also made themselves guilty of misogyny in lyrics and in their music videos. Often they are aired on radio and television stations without receiving any criticism at all.

However, with the rise of awareness on these issues, more people are beginning to critically analyse popular music but affecting a change has been more challenging.

Not all artists identify as feminist, but their lyrics definitely have joined the cause of women’s empowerment.

“Now you’re looking at a leader. Now you’re staring at a queen… You said I’ll never be someone… But now I’m pulling all the strings,” sings Mary J Blige in ‘Doubt’.

“We the kind of girls who ain’t afraid to get down… Electric ladies go on and scream out loud,” says Janelle Monae in ‘The Electric Lady’.

“You think we’re just pretty things… You couldn’t be more wrong… We’re standing strong, we carry on,” say Little Mix in ‘Salute’.

Namibia’s own Sally’s released the popular track ‘Boss Madam’ three years ago. While many may have thought the term refers to being the ‘main chick’ in a relationship, others mistook the song to be about Sally wearing the pants in her home.

In actual fact, Sally says, the song is about empowering women. Telling women to be leaders and to be a boss at anything and everything they do.

“That song is about empowering women, about telling women to be the best and the boss madams in everything they do.”

With the whole sexual objectification of women in music videos, it was not surprising that female artists would want to prove their substance beyond their sexuality.

Female artists wanted to show that they had the choice to use sex appeal to sell their music and that they could choose when to use it.

This however did not come without criticism that female artists are just doing exactly what male artist have been doing.

Thankfully, feminism is evident in more music today and as people become more educated about the sexually offensive and discriminatory side of popular music, hopefully more musicians will stand up and refuse to merely be part of the crowd.

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.