Nigerian Afropop star Tems sheds light on the pervasive gender inequality in the music industry, sharing her personal struggles and striving to uplift young women through her new initiative, The Leading Vibe Initiative, aimed at creating more opportunities for female artists in Africa.
Tems Advocates for Gender Equality in Afropop Industry
Tems Advocates for Gender Equality in Afropop Industry
Nigerian musician Tems speaks out on the challenges women face in the male-dominated Afropop industry and launches an initiative to empower female artists.
Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems has openly addressed the issue of gender inequality in the music industry, stating that "people don't really respect women" throughout her field. In a recent interview with the BBC, she expressed the challenges she faced at the beginning of her career, noting how difficult it was to gain respect as a female artist.
Despite the global popularity of Afropop, the industry remains largely male-dominated, with male figures like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid often overshadowing their female counterparts. Tems highlighted the barriers faced by women artists, including industry giants Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, who have previously reported on similar experiences.
Earlier this year, Tems confronted online backlash regarding her body image following performance footage being shared on social media. She asserted her confidence by stating, "It's just a body," demonstrating resilience against societal pressures regarding appearance. Her goal is to inspire women in the music industry to redefine their self-worth.
To this end, Tems has launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, aimed at providing resources and opportunities for young female musicians across Africa. In Lagos, workshops, masterclasses, and dialogues are being held to empower vocals, songwriters, and producers, all focusing on skill development and industry connections.
Tems encouraged aspiring female artists to have a clear vision of their goals, brand, and boundaries, emphasizing the importance of passion in their craft. She shared her journey through the music scene, illustrating her commitment to authenticity despite external pressures to conform.
As she gears up to support Coldplay at Wembley Stadium and collaborates with notable artists such as Beyoncé and Rihanna, Tems continually reaffirms her dedication to the music world while simultaneously expanding her interests into sports. Recently becoming a part-owner of San Diego FC, she expressed her intention to inspire boldness and innovation in all her endeavors.
Motivated to change the narrative surrounding women in music, Tems stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring female artists while championing authenticity and resilience against gender discrimination in the industry.
