Throughout March we are celebrating Women in the Arts with a connection to the Isle of Man. The aim of this series is to highlight the challenges that women face in the creative industry, share some advice to younger creatives and also to celebrate these women in their achievements. 

Adele Dube is a Jazz and Pop singer and vocal coach based in Douglas, Isle of Man 

What is your professional background in the arts?

I obtained a BMus degree and Post Graduate diploma specialising in Jazz performance from the University of Cape Town in South Africa.  I actually started out as an Opera studies student but then the Jazz bug bit and I absolutely fell in love with the genre. I also received a scholarship from the University of Oslo in Norway where I specialised in improvisation.  I still have a great passion and appreciation for classical music and I think it has given me a solid foundation as well as good vocal technique which I can apply to any style of singing.

What inspired you to pursue a career as a singer?

I can’t remember ever wanting to pursue any career other than creative arts. It has always been a big part of my life, singing in church choirs since I was 5, then having a busy school career playing piano, singing in musical theatre productions, skipping PE like most musicians to attend music lessons haha. 

What progress have you seen for women in your field?

There has been an increase in female reprensention in what has been known as male domaminated roles over the past few years. We have seen more female film producers, orchestral conductors, female music groups and sound engineers.

Share a women’s empowerment moment that inspired you.

I just recently read an article about the band Fleetwood Mac's singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks and the struggles she faced to receive equal recognition for her songwriting contributions to the band. She is now the first woman to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.

What do you think is the biggest issue today facing women of your age? 

I woud say the pressure of wanting to start a family in an industry with long and irregular hours. There is a loss of income if you are not on the stage performing and  possible judgement, especially where I come from, should one take a shorter maternity leave in order to return to work and provide for their family. 

How important is it for women to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?

It is important for women in the arts to create a trusted space where we can support and empower one another as I feel it enables us to express ourselves better when we are in an environment where we can feel safe, listened to and valued.

In the wake of International Women’s Day, what is the most important message you want to send out to young women thinking about a career in the arts?

Focus on honing your craft in your whichever art  form you’re planning to pursue. Also be confident in your ability whether it's acting, singing or dancing and remember that you are unique and bring something special and different to the table. 

What have you been working on? 

Adele is the founder and lead singer for NOVA, a pop and house music function band. She also provides small music acts for weddings, corporates and private parties.  For bookings and  inquiries: www.adeledube.com

Music clip:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dYxywOEgCV8