Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Tems has publicly addressed systemic gender biases in her country’s music industry, citing her own struggles to gain recognition as a woman in a male-dominated field. Speaking candidly in a recent BBC interview, the singer—born Temilade Openiyi—emphasized that female musicians often face dismissive attitudes in professional spaces. “People don’t really respect women in the [music] industry,” she stated, reflecting on challenges she encountered early in her career.
The “Love Me Jeje” singer, who rose to global prominence following collaborations with artists like Drake and Rihanna, revealed her determination to shift perceptions through The Leading Vibe Initiative, a platform she founded to empower women in music. The project aims to provide female artists with increased visibility, equitable opportunities, and strategic guidance. “I want to change the way women see themselves in music,” Tems explained, highlighting her goal to help artists secure “a wider audience and success” while maintaining creative autonomy.
Tems stressed the importance of self-awareness for emerging female musicians, urging them to define personal and professional boundaries. “What are the things you wouldn’t do for fame, and the things you would do?” she asked, advocating for intentional career decisions aligned with individual values. Her comments echo longstanding concerns within Nigeria’s vibrant entertainment sector, where women frequently report disparities in pay, representation, and creative control despite the industry’s explosive growth in recent years.
The artist’s critique aligns with broader calls for reform. Notable figures like Afrobeats stars Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have previously spoken out about gender-based barriers, from unequal performance fees to societal expectations that prioritize male artists. These challenges persist even as Nigerian music garners unprecedented international acclaim, with streaming platforms highlighting Afrobeats as one of Africa’s most exported cultural commodities.
Tems’ initiative seeks to address these gaps by fostering mentorship networks and amplifying women’s contributions to Nigeria’s creative economy. While specifics of the program remain under wraps, her advocacy reflects a growing movement among African female artists to challenge stereotypes and dismantle structural inequities. Industry analysts note that such efforts could reshape narratives around gender in music, particularly as global audiences increasingly engage with African cultural exports.
The conversation arrives amid heightened scrutiny of gender dynamics in entertainment worldwide, with Nigerian artists increasingly leveraging their platforms to advocate for systemic change. As Tems’ star continues to rise, her dual role as chart-topping performer and advocate underscores the potential for influential figures to drive both cultural innovation and social progress.
