Tems, a two-time Grammy Award winner, is on a mission to change perceptions and create opportunities for women in music through her new platform, The Leading Vibe Initiative. She aims to amplify women's voices, sharing advice for young female artists about maintaining authenticity and establishing personal boundaries in their careers.
Empowering Voices: Tems Addresses Gender Inequality in the Music Industry
Empowering Voices: Tems Addresses Gender Inequality in the Music Industry
Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems highlights the challenges women face in the male-dominated music sector.
Nigerian Afropop star Tems has made headlines once again, this time for her outspoken views on the gender imbalances within the music industry. Speaking with the BBC, she expressed that women are often not respected in a field largely dominated by male artists. Despite Afropop's soaring popularity globally, the genre's principal figures remain predominantly male, with artists such as Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid taking center stage. Female artists like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have also expressed their struggles against gender-based barriers.
Reflecting on her own journey, Tems admitted that when starting out, she faced numerous challenges and resisted paying the "price" many face to gain respect. "I realized that there's always a cost. And a lot of those prices I wasn't willing to pay," she noted. Earlier this year, the singer rebuked online criticism regarding her body image, asserting her belief in self-acceptance and resilience.
In response to the obstacles faced by women in music, Tems has founded The Leading Vibe Initiative, a project aimed at empowering young female musicians across Africa. The initiative focuses on providing platforms for vocalists, producers, and songwriters to develop their skills and make essential industry connections. She elaborated, "I promised myself that if I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me."
The initiative's launch in Lagos saw a gathering of aspiring artists participating in masterclasses and workshops designed to offer valuable guidance. On the theme of empowerment, Tems advised young women to define their personal and professional boundaries, emphasizing the importance of remaining true to their artistic identity and passions.
With remarkable success over the past five years—collaborating with icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, amassing over 17 million monthly Spotify listeners, and headlining major international festivals—Tems embodies the resilience and courage she advocates. Next month, she will support Coldplay in their highly-anticipated shows at Wembley Stadium.
Aside from music, Tems is expanding her horizons as a part-owner of the San Diego FC, a testament to her vision of breaking barriers beyond music. She aspires to inspire others, saying, "I don't see myself as just a singer or artist. I'm much more than that." Tems’ dedication not only showcases her artistry but also her commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for future generations of female musicians.
