Tems Speaks Out on Gender Inequality in Afropop Industry

In a recent interview, Grammy-winning Afropop artist Tems discussed the struggles women face in the male-dominated music industry and launched The Leading Vibe Initiative to support young female talent in Africa.

Grammy-winning Nigerian Afropop star Tems has voiced her concerns about the lack of respect for women in the music industry, acknowledging the challenges she has faced since the beginning of her career. In a candid interview with the BBC, she stated, “People don’t really respect women,” emphasizing the sacrifices she had to make to gain recognition within a space largely dominated by male artists.

Despite the soaring popularity of Afropop in the last decade, with artists such as Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid leading the charts, female artists are often marginalized. Tems shared that others in the industry, including Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, have also highlighted the obstacles women encounter. She admitted to facing negativity regarding her body image and how it impacts her public perception, exemplified by her social media response to derogatory comments after a performance video went viral.

In response to these issues, Tems launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, designed to change the landscape for women in the music industry. The program, which kicked off in Lagos, seeks to empower young female vocalists, producers, and songwriters through workshops and panel discussions focused on skill development and networking. “If I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me,” Tems expressed, hoping to create more accessible platforms for emerging female artists.

Tems also offered guidance to aspiring female musicians, underscoring the importance of self-awareness and setting boundaries. She believes that genuine passion for music is essential, stating, “If I wasn’t famous, I would still be doing music.” Her journey since releasing her debut EP five years ago has seen her collaborate with global superstars like Beyoncé and Rihanna, and her emerging international presence continues to grow.

Furthermore, her ambitions extend beyond music; she has recently become part-owner of US football club San Diego FC, reflecting her aspiration to disrupt stereotypes and venture into diverse fields. Tems encourages others to follow their passions boldly, asserting, “I don’t see myself as just a singer...I’m much more than that.”

Tems positions herself not only as a musician but as a figure aiming to inspire future generations to break barriers within the male-centric music scene while exploring opportunities in other spheres. As she prepares to support Coldplay in their upcoming UK shows, her voice continues to resonate far beyond the Afropop genre, advocating for a more inclusive landscape.