Have you watched the Brit Awards recently and want to discover some more pop divas? Well, look no further! Going back some decades and around some continents, we are going to look at iconic female artists who will be remembered for their impact on music and beyond. I’ve always loved how music is almost an invisible string that spans across all cultures, connecting us, lifting us on a bad day or potentially increasing your baby's intelligence (the jury's still out on this one). So for Women’s History Month, I wanted to highlight the incredible journey of women in music from around the world, which, in the West, we don't really hear about, specifically, four legendary artists, Nazia Hassan, Umm Kulthum, Brenda Fassie and Anita Mui.
Nazia Hassan, often called the “Queen of South Asian Pop,” was a trailblazer in the 1980s who transformed the music scene in Pakistan, India and beyond. At a time when female pop singers were rare, Nazia’s fresh sound was a result of her inspirations from her time in Manchester (big up the north!) and traditional Pakistani music, anchored by her collaboration with producer Biddu. Her song “Disco Deewane” was a groundbreaking hit that brought modern pop to South Asia and made her a beloved figure across generations.
From Egypt, Umm Kulthum’s voice carried the soul of the Arab world for decades. Breaking into a male-dominated industry, she even had to disguise herself as a boy to perform when she first travelled to Cairo. What really blows me away is her five-hour shows, designed to enchant the audience, called tarab in Arabic. She’s also a secret inspiration behind many Western legends like Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin; plus, Shakira and Beyoncé have even danced to her songs!
Turning to Brenda Fassie, South Africa’s first pop diva, embodied rebellion and raw emotion. Born at a time apartheid had been legalised for 16 years, she grew up to give a voice to the struggles and hopes of Black South Africans, while staying true to her bold and vibrant personality. What stood out to me most was her activism, coupled with her unforgettable friendship with Nelson Mandela, marked by moments of warmth and spontaneity seen in her song “Black President”.
From East Asia, Anita Mui stands out as a Hong Kong icon whose powerful voice and magnetic presence captivated millions. Later, the “Madonna of the East,” Anita, came from humble beginnings, singing from a young age to support her family. It was because of her win at a singing competition that her career took off. Over decades, she blended pop, rock, and traditional Cantonese music, creating hits such as Bad Girl and Sunset Song. A multitalented queen, she went into acting, starring in award-winning films such as Rouge, while also using her fame for social activism.
These women share more than musical talent (and unfortunately, the curse of dying young) but embody resilience, cultural pride, and the power to transform society through art.