Singer Neetah Baibe performs at Nyakuron Cultural Center. | Neetah Baibe/Facebook.

Singer Neetah Baibe has criticized some South Sudan music promoters for allegedly engaging in sexual exploitation against female musicians in order to offer them performance opportunities in concerts and events.

Neetah, whose real name is Annet Angaika, said many women trying to pursue music career in the country end up dropping out “because of promoters using them for their body.”

Speaking on Eye Radio’s Soundtrack Show, Neetah said promoters see women as sex objects and are less likely to provide any form of support without expecting a favor in return.

“The number one challenge you know every female artist faces in this country as a female artist they always look at you as a sex object no one wants to support you from their heart,” she said.

According to Neetah, most of her fellow female colleagues in the industry have dropped out over the issue.

“They want to support you while using you. As you can see most of the female artist we started with all dropped out we only remained two me and Rebecca Trey. If you want to support a female artist. Genuinely support her talent and do not use her.”

She says most of the time they are viewed as “sex objects” which leads to the drop out of many female musician who couldn’t continue with their career.

‘Working on my own’

Neetah said she has ditched music promoters and decided to “walk on my own” and do things her way.

Neetah said her career has been slow because she supports herself financially even though music needs serious investment.  She advises female musicians to first secure financial support and avoid “being used.”

“I decided to do my things my own way and that’s why I take long to drop music because no one is supporting me. I am working on my own. I don’t want rushed things where they use you and talk about you as well.”

“Whenever they support you, they expect something in return that’s why am doing my things slowly. Promoters, most of them want to take advantage of you that’s the big challenge with the music industry.”

Neetah, who is known for the “Binie Wewe” hit-song is also a CEO of her own foundation which she launched earlier last year to help empower young girls and women.

She says she started the foundation to help young girls and women as well as street children in South Sudan – adding that she has been through the same struggle as a woman.

Neetah, who premiered her latest track titled Zaman Tawil on Eye Radio, is set to release her long awaited video next month which is directed by South Sudanese popular videographer and director K-Pesa Cuts.

While the law in South Sudan prohibits sexual violence, most sexual violence cases do not make it to the courts.