Watch Jhené Aiko Respond To The Grammys President Telling Women To "Step Up”

6 February 2018, 12:39 | Updated: 6 February 2018, 12:47

"Everything that a man can do, a woman can do."

Jhené Aiko has addressed the comments made by Recording Academy president Neil Portnow suggesting that female artists need to "step up" at the Grammys.

Speaking to Capital XTRA's Manny Norte, the 'Sativa' singer spoke on the highly publicised lack of female representation at this year's Grammy Awards.

"I think that was a ridiculous statement," she said in reference to Portnow's comments.

Listen to Jhené Aiko's studio album 'Trip' right here.

"He did try to say that he used the wrong term, but I just feel like we live in a world where, as women, we have to do extra to be equal."

Aiko continued:  "A rapper can go on stage and have on what he had on last night and just walk around. But if I do that, as a woman, it’s like I’m not doing enough." 

"Even though that’s what I do - I don’t care, that’s how I feel comfortable."

 

A post shared by Penny (@jheneaiko) onFeb 5, 2018 at 7:30pm PST

Portnow's controversial comments received a great deal of backlash following this year’s ceremony. 

Best New Artist winner Alessia Cara was the only female presented with a televised Grammy, while Best Album nominee Lorde was reportedly not offered a performance slot while her male counterparts were.

Additionally, R&B singer SZA - known for her critically-acclaimed debut album ‘CTRL' - failed to scoop up an award on the night, despite being nominated in five categories.

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"I just feel like… why? Why is that? Why do we have to step up? We have kids and we’re still doing this!" said Jhene.

"Everything that a man can do, a woman can do. It’s very strange to me that we still live in this world where it’s not equal."

The singer added: "But I think that we’re getting there, we're getting closer."

Watch Jhené discussing the Grammys in the video above.

The R&B singer is currently performing on the UK leg of her current tour, with dates in Glasgow, Birmingham and Manchester set for the 7th - 9th February.

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