Grammy award-winning singer Tems has spoken out about the deep-rooted gender inequality in Nigeria’s music industry, declaring that “women are not given the respect they deserve.”
Speaking in a candid interview with the BBC, She reflected on her early struggles as a woman navigating a male-dominated space and revealed how those experiences shaped her mission to uplift other female creatives.
“I realised that there’s always a cost. There’s always a price that you pay,” she said. “And a lot of those prices I wasn’t willing to pay, and there weren’t a lot of options.”
Tems’ rise has been meteoric, earning her first Grammy in 2023 for her feature on Future’s ‘Wait For U’ with Drake, and clinching her second in 2025 in the Best African Performance category, to be the first Nigerian act with two Grammys.
Despite her success, Tems said the journey hasn’t been easy, particularly for women in a genre where visibility and influence remain heavily skewed toward men. Afrobeats, now a global phenomenon, is still largely dominated by male superstars such as Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid, while female powerhouses like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have long raised concerns over the barriers women face.
Tems is now using her platform to drive change. Through her new initiative, The Leading Vibe, she aims to reshape how women view themselves in the music business — and help the next generation avoid some of the struggles she endured.
“I promised myself that if I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me,” she said. “To maybe make it easier for women to access platforms, access a wider audience, and achieve success.”
When asked what advice she has for upcoming female artists, Tems emphasized the importance of self-awareness and values.
“It’s important to have an idea of what you want for yourself — what your brand is, what your boundaries are,” she said. “Know what you wouldn’t do for fame, and what you would.”
