Tems Advocates for Women's Empowerment in Afropop Industry

In a candid interview, Nigerian Afropop superstar Tems discusses the challenges faced by women in the music industry and unveils her Leading Vibe Initiative aimed at empowering female artists across Africa.

Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems has recently opened up about the challenges and disrespect women face in the music industry during an interview reflecting on her journey as a two-time Grammy award-winning artist. In her conversation with the BBC, she highlighted that many women in the industry struggle to be taken seriously, stating, “I realized that there's always a cost. And a lot of those prices I wasn't willing to pay.”

Despite Afropop's global rise in popularity over the past decade, it remains predominantly male, with the “Big Three” – Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid – leading the forefront while female artists like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade voice the barriers they encounter because of their gender.

Earlier this year, Tems expressed frustration over body-shaming comments directed at her following an online performance, advocating for self-acceptance with her statement, “It's just a body... The more you don't like my body the better for me actually.”

Motivated to influence the next generation of women in music, Tems has launched The Leading Vibe Initiative aimed at providing opportunities for young women in Africa's music industries. The initiative commenced in her hometown of Lagos, featuring workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions designed to empower aspiring female vocalists, songwriters, and producers.

When asked what advice she would give to young women aspiring to enter the industry, she emphasized the importance of establishing personal boundaries and remaining passionate about one’s craft. “What are the things that you wouldn't do for fame?” she asked, encouraging young artists to remain true to themselves.

In her five years of success, Tems has collaborated with prominent artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna, gained over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and is set to support Coldplay at Wembley Stadium in the near future.

Tems' entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond music; she is also a part-owner of US football club San Diego FC, a venture she initially found surprising but views as a chance to inspire others. “I don't see myself as just a singer... I'm much more than that,” she stated, advocating for boldness in pursuing unconventional paths.

Her journey continues to inspire many, as she actively works to change perceptions about women in music, encouraging a new era of female empowerment in the Afropop scene.