Amazon Music and Fever Network recently collaborated on a new initiative aimed at highlighting women shaping India’s music industry. The program, titled “Women in Music 2026,” brought together artists, songwriters, and creators for a roundtable discussion that explored the challenges and opportunities faced by women in the music ecosystem.
Held around International Women’s Day 2026, the initiative combined panel discussions with curated playlists and digital promotion to amplify the voices of female creators across the industry.
A Roundtable Featuring Leading Women Artists
The event featured a panel of prominent female voices in Indian music, including Lisa Mishra, Raja Kumari, Rashmeet Kaur, Madhubanti Bagchi, and lyricist Kausar Munir. Moderated by Rotalks, the conversation focused on personal experiences, career challenges, and the evolving role of women in the music business.
Participants spoke candidly about the structural inequalities that still exist in the industry. One major topic of discussion was the imbalance in live performance opportunities. Artists noted that male performers often receive more invitations to perform at large concerts and festivals, while women are still less frequently positioned as headline acts despite having strong streaming audiences.
The roundtable also explored the realities of navigating careers in music while dealing with social expectations and industry gatekeeping.
Independent Music and Creative Control
Several artists used the discussion to highlight the importance of independence and creative ownership. Singer-songwriter Rashmeet Kaur spoke about prioritizing her independent music career instead of focusing exclusively on playback opportunities in film music.
For many artists on the panel, the rise of digital platforms has created more space for independent releases, allowing musicians to connect directly with listeners without relying entirely on film projects or traditional industry structures.
Meanwhile, rapper and singer Raja Kumari reflected on contributing vocals to the blockbuster film Jawan, discussing how major film projects can offer global visibility but also come with intense expectations for artists.
Lyricist Kausar Munir added that opportunities for women songwriters remain limited, noting that building trust and creative partnerships within the industry often takes years.
Streaming Platforms Supporting Artist Visibility
The “Women in Music 2026” initiative also included a dedicated Amazon Music playlist, designed to spotlight female artists and increase their discoverability on the platform.
Curated playlists have become one of the primary ways streaming platforms promote emerging artists. By highlighting female creators within its editorial ecosystem, Amazon Music is positioning the campaign as both a cultural conversation and a discovery tool.
Industry observers note that such initiatives are increasingly common as streaming services compete to support artist communities while expanding their cultural footprint in local markets.
A Broader Conversation About Representation
Beyond the promotional aspects, the roundtable emphasized a broader conversation about representation and leadership within India’s music industry.
Artists discussed how women are still underrepresented not only on festival lineups but also in decision-making roles across studios, production teams, and industry leadership positions.
The discussion highlighted the importance of mentorship, creative collaboration, and industry support systems in helping female artists build long-term careers.
What It Means for the Industry
Initiatives like “Women in Music 2026” reflect a growing recognition that diversity and representation are becoming central conversations within the global music business.
For streaming platforms, supporting artist communities has become an important part of their strategy for building cultural relevance and engagement.
For artists, these programs offer additional visibility and a platform to discuss industry issues openly.
As India’s independent music ecosystem continues to expand, initiatives that spotlight underrepresented voices may play an important role in shaping a more inclusive industry. Distribution networks, streaming platforms, and independent music companies all form part of that ecosystem.
For emerging artists releasing music through distributors such as Ziddi and other digital platforms, the growing attention on representation and discovery initiatives could create new opportunities for visibility within the rapidly evolving streaming landscape.
