Introduction
In a mix of pure talent and empowerment, Platoon and Femme Africa joined forces to pioneer a groundbreaking three-day music camp in West Africa. Commencing on April 10th, this camp not only marked Platoon's inaugural music camp in the region but also served as a platform to spotlight the remarkable female talents driving the Afropop scene forward.
Femme Africa: Leading the Charge
Femme Africa, in collaboration with Platoon's local partners, spearheaded this endeavor, building upon their ongoing initiative, SHE RUNS THE BOARDS. This initiative, conceived by Linda Ayoola and Grace Hsiu, aims to challenge the lack of racial and gender diversity within the global music industry. With events spanning from London to Lagos, SHE RUNS THE BOARDS has become a beacon of empowerment, offering women in music the tools, time, and opportunity to thrive.
Through She Runs the Boards, we're not just creating music; we're shaping the future of the industry and inspiring the next generation of female artists, songwriters, and producers. It is important to me that we continue to build platforms for women to connect, collaborate and create and SRTB represents just that ! - Toluwaleke Subair, Programs Manager Femme Africa
Celebrating Women's Impact in Afropop
The theme of 2024's International Women's Day, "Accelerate Progress," echoed through the halls of this transformative music camp. From behind the mic to the boardroom, women have been pivotal in shaping Afropop's rise from a regional powerhouse to a global phenomenon. Artists like Asa, Tems, Ayra Starr, Bloody Civilian, and more exemplify the bold and vivacious spirit driving African music to the forefront of the global stage.
She Runs The Boards: Fostering Inclusivity
At the heart of SHE RUNS THE BOARDS lies a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where diverse voices can flourish. Ayoola emphasises the transformative power of music to break barriers and build bridges across continents. This ethos resonated throughout the Lagos-based music camp, where a female-led cohort of musicians, songwriters, producers, and more convened to develop their craft and amplify their voices.
A Paradigm Shift in the Music Industry
The significance of third-party spaces like the Platoon and Femme Africa music camp cannot be overstated. In an industry often dominated by male voices, these initiatives provide essential platforms for women to thrive, collaborate, and inspire. As the Afropop scene continues to evolve, partnerships like this will play a vital role in nurturing the next generation of female talent and pushing the boundaries of creativity and inclusivity.
Launching a writing camp to spotlight women creatives in Nigeria, in partnership with Femme Africa, has been nothing short of incredible. Together, we're breaking boundaries and championing cross-collaboration. This collaboration has enriched every participant, uniting diverse voices to inspire innovation and shape a brighter, more inclusive future. - Linda Ayoola, Head of Music, Africa & Services at Platoon
Conclusion
In the convergence of Platoon, Femme Africa, and the voices of female artists, we witness not just a music camp but a movement—a movement towards greater representation, empowerment, and innovation in the world of Afropop. As we celebrate the achievements of women in music, let us also recognise the ongoing work of organisations like Platoon and Femme Africa in shaping a more equitable and supporting musical landscape for generations to come.
