Ghanaian Afro pop singer, Wendy Shay, has stated that she is the most bullied artist in Ghana’s music industry.
The ‘Bedroom commando’ hitmaker spoke about the struggles she has faced entering the music scene after the death of Ebony, revealing that the level of bullying she endured affected her and also took a toll on her family. “I’m the most bullied artist in the history of Ghana music,” she said.
Wendy Shay explained that the constant negativity and harsh criticism got so intense that her mother urged her to give up music entirely and return to Germany, where she lived before starting her music career in Ghana.
“Because it was crazy and it affected everyone in my family. Some of my family members were even shy too embarrased to associate with me at the time.”
Wendy Shay
According to her, the experience helped her grow stronger. She also acknowledged that while the bullying was difficult, she still had fans who stood by her.
“I wouldn’t even wish that on my worst enemy, but that built me. Even in all that, I still have lovers who still listen to my music, but every time they were ranking the most streamed female artists, I was number one.”
Wendy Shay
Despite the intense criticism and emotional toll, Wendy Shay has been a defining part of her journey.
Wendy Shay on Why Female Artists Avoid Beefs
The Ghanaian afropop singer shared her thoughts on why female artists in the Ghanaian music industry rarely engage in ‘beefs’ like their male counterparts.
The ‘Uber Driver’ hitmaker and the host spoke about how lyrical rivalries between male artists have helped boost their popularity over the years.
They mentioned names like Sarkodie and M.anifest, as well as Shatta Wale and Stonebwoy, whose ‘beefs’ have drawn attention and sparked conversations that benefited their music careers. However, Wendy Shay believes that it’s different for women in the industry.
“Women are built differently, and we take things too personally. With this beef thing, it can turn into something else.”
Wendy Shay
Ghanaian society, like many others, is steeped in traditional gender roles that influence the behavior and expectations of women. From a young age, women are often socialized to prioritize harmony and community over individualistic competition.
This cultural backdrop plays a significant role in shaping the interactions of female artists. Unlike their male counterparts, who are encouraged to assert dominance through confrontations, female musicians often face societal pressure to embody traits such as empathy and cooperation.
Engaging in ‘beefs’ could be perceived as unbecoming or unladylike, leading many female artists to avoid such confrontational tactics in favor of more collaborative approaches.
However, the singer explained that unlike men, women tend to hold onto emotions longer, which could make such ‘beefs’ more personal than professional. “After the music, we might face each other face to face and like to talk about it, like ‘why did you say that to me’,” she stated.
Wendy Shay added that for women to benefit from the same kind of attention ‘beefs’ bring male artists, they would need to better manage their emotions.
The absence of ‘beefs’ among female artists in the Ghanaian music industry is a multifaceted issue rooted in cultural expectations, a commitment to solidarity, and strategic public image management.
While male artists thrive on rivalry as a means of asserting dominance, female musicians are redefining success through collaboration and mutual support.
By choosing harmony over discord, they not only challenge the traditional norms of the industry but also pave the way for a more inclusive and empowering musical landscape.
As the Ghanaian music scene continues to evolve, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the unique contributions of female artists, who exemplify strength and resilience in their refusal to engage in conflict.
Their approach not only enriches the industry but also inspires future generations of women in music.
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