Nigerian Afropop star Tems has voiced her frustrations about the lack of respect for women in the music industry, highlighting her journey as a two-time Grammy award winner. In an interview with the BBC, she reflected on the challenges she faced early in her career, stating, "I realized that there's always a cost. There's always a price that you pay. And a lot of those prices I wasn't willing to pay, and there weren't a lot of options."
Though Afropop has gained significant global traction over the last decade, it remains primarily male-dominated, with prominent artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid leading the charts. Female artists such as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have also voiced the barriers they encounter due to their gender. Earlier this year, Tems responded to negative body comments from social media after a performance video circulated, asserting her self-acceptance and confidence.
Tems aims to foster a positive shift in how women are perceived in the music scene through her new initiative, The Leading Vibe Initiative, which seeks to empower young women throughout Africa's music sector. "If I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me and maybe make it easier for women to access platforms, wider audiences, and success," she stated.
The initiative launched last Friday in Lagos, bringing together vocalists, songwriters, and producers for workshops, masterclasses, and discussions geared toward skill and network development. When advising aspiring female musicians, Tems emphasized the importance of knowing one's brand and setting personal boundaries, mentioning, "What are the things that you wouldn't do for fame?"
Despite her overwhelming success—including collaborations with global icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, and supporting Coldplay at Wembley Stadium—Tems remains passionate about her craft, stating that she would still create music even if she weren't famous.
Apart from music, Tems has ventured into sports and recently became a part-owner of the US football team San Diego FC. She attributes her success to authenticity, declaring, "Even when people tell you to change your sound, you look at them and say: 'No.'" She is enthusiastic about breaking conventional expectations, expressing her desire to encourage others to pursue paths less traveled.
Tems emphasized her multifaceted identity beyond music: "I don't see myself as just a singer, just a musician, just an artist. I'm much more than that."
