Tems Launches Women’s Music Initiative in Lagos, Calls for Greater Respect for Female Artistes

Tems Launches Women’s Music Initiative in Lagos, Calls for Greater Respect for Female Artists

Tems Launches women’s music initiative in Lagos and calls for greater respect, the Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has taken a bold step towards empowering women in the music industry with the Lagos debut of The Leading Vibe Initiative. The programme, which recently kicked off in the heart of Lagos, aims to discover, mentor, and equip young female talents with the tools to thrive in the competitive entertainment world.

The initiative, which Tems first introduced virtually, has now transitioned into an in-person format, bringing together 20 carefully selected participants from across Nigeria. Over several days of workshops, masterclasses, and collaborative sessions, the young creatives will be mentored by industry experts, gaining practical skills in songwriting, stage performance, music production, and brand development.

Speaking at the launch, Tems explained that her motivation for The Leading Vibe Initiative comes from her personal journey in an industry she believes has historically undervalued women.

“Women are less respected in the music industry,” she said. “I’ve faced challenges that had nothing to do with my talent. It’s important to create safe spaces where women can learn, collaborate, and grow without fear of being undermined.”

Breaking Barriers for Female Artists
Tems, whose rise to international fame has been nothing short of meteoric, is using her platform to address deep-rooted gender inequalities in music. Her Grammy win, global chart success, and collaborations with international stars like Drake, Future, and Beyoncé have made her a powerful voice for change — and she’s determined to use that influence to open doors for others.

The Nigerian music scene, while booming globally, still reflects systemic challenges for women — from pay disparities and lack of recognition to societal pressures and limited leadership roles. Through The Leading Vibe Initiative, Tems hopes to break these barriers and inspire the next generation of African female artists.

Empowering Through Education and Mentorship
The Lagos edition of the programme features interactive mentorship sessions, networking opportunities, and hands-on training in digital music tools. Participants are also taught personal branding, mental health management, and financial literacy — areas Tems says are crucial for long-term success.

Industry stakeholders have praised the project, calling it a timely intervention in a space that needs more female representation. Several music executives have hinted at partnering with Tems to expand the programme across Africa.

A Global Vision for Women in Music
Tems revealed that The Leading Vibe Initiative will not be limited to Nigeria. Plans are underway to host editions in other African countries and eventually take the programme to the global stage.

“We’re starting in Lagos because it’s home,” Tems said. “But the vision is for every young woman, anywhere in the world, to feel she has a place in music.”

As Tems continues to break records and defy stereotypes, her commitment to uplifting women in the industry cements her status not just as a musical powerhouse, but as a true leader for gender equality in entertainment.

The Grammy Award-winning singer Tems is set to headline a star-studded concert in Lagos next month aimed at promoting mental health awareness among young people in Africa.The event, organized by the non-profit group MindStrong Africa, will feature performances from other big Afrobeats names including Rema, Ayra Starr, and Burna Boy.

Proceeds from the concert will fund free counseling services and mental health workshops across Nigeria’s universities.

Speaking at the event’s press launch, Tems shared her personal journey of overcoming anxiety, encouraging fans to seek help when struggling mentally.

Health experts have praised the initiative, noting that Nigeria still faces significant stigma around mental health issues and that celebrity-led campaigns could play a vital role in breaking the silence.