The Indian music industry has long been a male-dominated space, with women often having to fight for equal representation. However, change is on the horizon, thanks to a new wave of female artists redefining the scene. Emerging singer-songwriters Tanya Sojatia and Frizzell D’Souza are at the forefront of this shift, breaking stereotypes and bringing fresh perspectives to indie, jazz, and R&B music. As International Women in Music Day 2025 approaches, these artists share their journeys, challenges, and what the future holds for women in music.
Meet the Artists: Tanya Sojatia & Frizzell D’Souza
Tanya Sojatia, a genre-blending powerhouse, merges jazz, soul, hip-hop, and pop to create music that bridges India’s rich traditions with global sounds. Her work aims to expand the definition of ‘Indian music’ while staying emotionally resonant.
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Frizzell D’Souza, known for her breakout hit ‘Foolish Once Again’ (over 1 million Spotify streams), is a pop singer-songwriter and recipient of the Best Pop Artist/Singer-Songwriter award at the 2023 Indian Music Diaries Awards. Her candid lyrics and melodic depth have made her a voice for young women navigating love and ambition.
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Both artists are set to perform at NH7 Weekender 2025, India’s largest multi-city concert, alongside legends like Usha Uthup and indie icons like Prateek Kuhad.
Tanya Sojatia: Bridging Genres and Breaking Moulds
Tanya Sojatia is known for her unique ability to blend jazz, R&B, hip-hop, soul, and pop, creating music that is both familiar and experimental. She aims to bridge the gap between India’s traditional soundscape and global music influences. “My goal is to create music that resonates emotionally while introducing Indian listeners to sonic textures they may not have explored deeply yet,” she shares.
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However, as a woman navigating male-dominated genres like jazz and hip-hop, Tanya has faced her share of challenges. “Breaking into these genres requires not just skill but also persistence in asserting my voice and artistic identity,” she says. Despite these hurdles, her commitment to authenticity has helped her carve out a unique space in the industry.
Frizzell D’Souza: Indie Success and Overcoming Biases
Frizzell D’Souza, another rising star in the indie music scene, made waves with her breakout hit 'Foolish Once Again,' which surpassed a million streams on Spotify. Her success in a predominantly male industry is a testament to her talent and resilience. “The representation of female artists is still relatively low, but I have seen efforts to provide women with equal opportunities,” she says.
Yet, the deeply ingrained societal mindset remains a challenge. “Many girls hesitate to consider unconventional careers due to concerns about income, reputation, and stability. The biggest hurdle is the ‘Log kya kahenge’ syndrome—the fear of societal judgement,” she explains.
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As a Best Pop Artist/Singer-Songwriter Award recipient at The Indian Music Diaries Awards 2023, Frizzell hopes to inspire aspiring musicians, reminding them that “if your intent is in the right place, there are ample avenues to achieve what you dream of”.
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NH7 Weekender Event 2025
NH7 Weekender, one of the most anticipated single-day concerts, makes its way to three vibrant cities. The journey begins in Jaipur on March 28, 2025, followed by Indore on March 29, and culminating in Noida on the same day.
This year’s stellar lineup boasts legendary artists such as Usha Uthup in Indore, Prateek Kuhad in Jaipur, and Seedhe Maut in Noida, alongside rising stars Tanya Sojatia in Indore and Frizzell D’Souza in Jaipur.
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Tanya praises NH7 Weekender for being an inclusive space for female artists. “When a festival puts women artists on big stages and treats them as equals, it sends a powerful message to the industry and audiences,” she says. Similarly, Frizzell expresses her excitement about returning to NH7, calling it a ‘beautiful festival’ that nurtures artistic diversity.
Celebrating International Women in Music Day 2025
With International Women in Music Day 2025 around the corner, both artists reflect on the importance of celebrating women’s contributions to the industry. Tanya emphasises honouring not only performers but also women behind the scenes, producers, engineers, and managers, who often go unrecognised. “It’s about both celebration and reflection. I want to shine a light on those who break barriers every day,” she says.
Frizzell echoes this sentiment but adds that empowerment should not be limited to a single day. “We shouldn’t need an International Women’s Day to highlight these issues; empowerment should be a daily norm,” she asserts.
The rise of artists like Tanya Sojatia and Frizzell D’Souza signals a shift in India’s music landscape. With platforms like NH7 Weekender and increased recognition for women’s contributions, the industry is slowly but surely moving toward greater inclusivity. As these artists continue to make waves, they inspire the next generation to challenge norms, claim their space, and redefine what it means to be a woman in music.
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Image Courtesy: Instagram/@nh7.weekender
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