Nigerian Afropop star Tems has highlighted ongoing gender challenges in the music industry, noting a widespread lack of respect for women.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Africa, Tems said she believes her perspective as a woman uniquely positions her to drive change. “I just find that people don’t really respect women a lot in the industry. As a woman myself, I’m the best person to start something like this,” Tems told the BBC.
The two-time Grammy award winner reflected on the difficulties she faced early in her career, including the tough choices female artists often must make in a male-dominated Afropop scene. “I realised 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 wasn’t a lot of options,” she said.
Despite the genre’s global rise, male artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid remain dominant, while female performers such as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade continue to confront gender-based obstacles.
To address these issues, Tems recently launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, a platform aimed at empowering young African women in music. The project debuted in Lagos with workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions designed to enhance skills and expand opportunities for female vocalists, songwriters, and producers.
Tems urged emerging artists to establish clear personal boundaries and remain authentic in their careers. “What are the things that you wouldn’t do for fame and the things that you would do?” she advised.
Earlier this year, Tems responded to body-shaming online by emphasizing self-acceptance. “It’s just a body, I will add and lose weight. I never once hid my body, I just didn’t feel the need to prove or disprove anyone,” she said.
Since releasing her debut EP five years ago, Tems has collaborated with global stars such as Beyoncé and Rihanna, amassed over 17 million monthly Spotify listeners, and performed at international festivals. She is set to support British band Coldplay on their upcoming sold-out Wembley Stadium shows.
In addition to music, Tems has become a part-owner of the US soccer club San Diego FC, reflecting her diverse ambitions beyond the stage. “I don’t see myself as just a singer, just a musician, just an artist. I’m much more than that,” she said.
Through The Leading Vibe Initiative, Tems hopes to reshape perceptions of women in African music and create more accessible paths to success that commands respect.
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