British-Nigerian singer and songwriter Darkoo, has credited women for shaping global music trends and boosting the popularity of many hit songs.
The Favourite Girl crooner claimed during a recent appearance on the Comfortably Speaking podcast. According to her, women play a decisive role in determining which songs or genres become popular, often influencing men to listen to and embrace the music they enjoy.
Darkoo pointed out that many records have gone mainstream simply because women liked them first. She argued that men often end up adopting these songs, either because of the energy women bring to them or because men want to impress the women around them.
“The truth of the matter is music, the world in general, is dictated by women,” Darkoo said. “You play Sexyy Red in your car, why? Because you go and pick up one girl, and you want her to enter your Lamborghini. What are you going to play? Are you going to play trap, trap in a Brando? A lot of music you like is because women like it.”
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To back her point, the Afrofusion star highlighted the rise of Amapiano, a South African sound that has taken over clubs and streaming platforms in recent years. Darkoo claimed the genre’s popularity was driven largely by women, who first embraced it through dance challenges and viral content on social media platforms.
“If you listen to certain genres of music, I feel like women got into Amapiano first when they were doing dance trends on social media,” she explained. “Back then, people were looking at them like they were being weird. But now, men are f*cking with Amapiano.”
Her comments reflect the growing recognition of the influence women have on the music industry, not just as fans but as key trendsetters. In today’s digital age, women often set the tone on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where dance trends, lip-syncs, and viral challenges help push songs into mainstream culture.
Industry experts have long observed that women are among the most active consumers of music, particularly in streaming and live events. Their preferences often guide playlists, club rotations, and even radio airplay. Darkoo’s remarks highlight how this influence shapes not only individual songs but entire genres.
The singer’s perspective also sheds light on how musicians tailor their music to connect with female audiences. From lyrics to rhythms and production styles, artists frequently consider how their songs will resonate with women, knowing their approval can often make or break a track’s success.
Darkoo’s candid take has sparked conversations among fans, with many agreeing that women are the backbone of music trends. Others argue that while women play a major role, men and industry gatekeepers also contribute to shaping what becomes popular.
Nonetheless, her statement reinforces a growing reality: in the ever-evolving world of music, women are not just participants but powerful drivers of culture, taste, and global sound.
