Spice Girls Paved the Way for Little Mix, Girls Aloud, Sugarbabes? 'We Were Facing Sexism'

Spice Girls is the beacon of feminism in the music industry, and they seemingly paved the way for other girl groups to make their mark in pop culture as well.

However, according to Mel C, the group did not initially intend to spread its message about women's empowerment.

"The whole 'girl power' message that the Spice Girls shouted about was not part of the original plan. It was because we were facing sexism within the industry," the 50-year-old singer said during an Apple Music interview for Women's History Month.

"We were still being told, 'Girls don't sell records.' That was great for us, because we were like, 'We'll show you,' And then we did go on to change that."

Aside from Mel C, Little Mix's Leigh-Anne Pinnock, All Saints' Shaznay Lewis, Sugarbabes' Keisha Buchanan, and Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts were also present at the Apple Music panel.

How Spice Girls, All Saints, Little Mix, More Confront Sexism

Mel C's story about the Spice Girls receiving push-back from the music industry is not an isolated incident, but they did make it a bit easier for the new generation of girl groups to enter the music industry.

"We're very thankful to you, because what you girls did was show that female bands had a place in the industry and could be bossy, could do things on their own term," said Lewis. "You opened up the doors and allowed us to come through after."

Pinnock reflected on her journey as a girl group member, growing up, looking up [to] the Spice Girls as idols: "I remember always saying, "We want to do what the Spice Girls did," and just looking up to you girls so much, and the way you empowered so many people. We always wanted to write music to inspire as well."

Little Mix has released several anthems in response to sexism, such as "Wasabi," "Little Me," "Salute," and more.

Spice Girls' Legacy in Music

According to the BBC, Spice Girls ushered in a new era of pop culture; not only did they promote their "Riot grrrl feminist punk rock movement" in the early 1990s, but they also introduced new fashion trends.

Spice Girls' songs became an anthem for young women back then, and they continue to inspire younger generations.

Tags

Spice Girls, Little Mix, Girl group