-
‘People don’t respect women in the Industry’ -Tems reveals
Grammy-winning Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems has once again drawn attention to gender disparities within the music industry, stressing that women continue to face a lack of respect despite the genre’s global success.
In an interview with BBC Africa, the singer explained that her experiences have given her a clear view of the barriers confronting female artists. “I just find that people don’t really respect women a lot in the industry. As a woman myself, I’m the best person to start something like this,” she said.
Tems recalled her early struggles, revealing how navigating the male-dominated Afropop scene often meant choosing between difficult compromises. “There’s always a cost, always a price to pay. Many of those prices I wasn’t willing to pay — and the options were few,” she explained.
While superstars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido dominate headlines, women such as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have had to push through gendered challenges to remain relevant.
Determined to change that narrative, Tems recently launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, a programme aimed at equipping young African women in music with tools for growth.
The project’s debut in Lagos featured workshops, masterclasses, and panel sessions covering vocal performance, songwriting, and music production.
She encouraged up-and-coming talents to maintain authenticity and set clear limits. “Decide what you will and won’t do for fame,” she advised.
Tems has also addressed personal attacks, including online body-shaming earlier this year. Her response was rooted in self-assurance: “It’s just a body — I’ll add and lose weight. I never once hid my body, I just didn’t feel the need to prove or disprove anyone.”
Since her debut EP five years ago, Tems has amassed over 17 million monthly Spotify listeners, collaborated with Beyoncé and Rihanna, and graced major international festival stages. She is also set to join Coldplay as a supporting act for their sold-out Wembley Stadium shows.
Her ambitions extend beyond music. Tems recently became a part-owner of San Diego FC in the United States, a move she says reflects her broader vision. “I don’t see myself as just a singer or musician — I’m much more than that,” she stated.
With The Leading Vibe Initiative, Tems aims to shift perceptions of women in African music and create a future where female success is earned on talent, respected by all, and free from compromise.
View this post on Instagram