The Grammy-winner shares insights on industry challenges and her vision for the future of women in music.
**Afropop Sensation Tems Advocates for Women in Music Industry**
**Afropop Sensation Tems Advocates for Women in Music Industry**
Nigerian star Tems confronts gender bias as she launches initiative to empower female artists.
Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems, a two-time Grammy winner, has shed light on the gender disparities in the music industry, asserting that "people don't really respect women" in the field. Reflecting on her early career, she conveyed to the BBC News that she faced significant hurdles to gain recognition and was often met with skepticism. "I realized that there's always a cost... a lot of those prices I wasn't willing to pay," she noted.
Despite Afropop's surging popularity over the last decade, the industry remains male-dominated, with major figures like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid overshadowing prominent female artists such as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, who also vocalize the struggles they encounter. Recently, Tems addressed body shaming following criticism of her appearance during a performance. “It's just a body... The more you don't like my body, the better for me actually,” she expressed.
Tems is on a mission to empower women in the music industry through her new initiative, The Leading Vibe Initiative, which aims to uplift emerging female talent across Africa. Launching her program in her hometown of Lagos, she invited vocalists, producers, and songwriters for workshops and masterclasses to forge essential connections and enhance their skills.
She encourages young artists to establish their personal brand and boundaries, highlighting that passion for music should be their primary driving force. Despite her rise to fame—collaborating with global stars like Beyoncé and Rihanna and accumulating over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify—Tems emphasizes authenticity. “Even when people tell you to change your sound, you look at them and you say: 'No',” she said.
Beyond her music career, Tems has recently ventured into sports as part-owner of the US football club San Diego FC. “I never imagined myself owning or being in an ownership of any football team,” she remarked. Her involvement with San Diego underlines her belief in taking bold steps and challenging conventions, asserting, “I don't see myself as just a singer... I'm much more than that.”
As Tems continues to break barriers in both music and sports, she's paving the way for future generations of female artists, aiming to redefine the industry's landscape.
