Nigerian Afropop star Tems, a two-time Grammy winner, has openly criticized the lack of respect for women in her industry. In a recent BBC interview, she reflected on the challenges she faced at the beginning of her career, noting, “I realized that there’s always a cost,” adding that many of those prices were ones she was not willing to pay. Despite Afropop's surge in global popularity, the genre remains overwhelmingly male-focused, with leading artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid, while female stars such as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have also voiced their struggles against gender-based barriers.
Tems recently responded to negative online comments about her body, stating: “It’s just a body... the more you don’t like my body the better for me.” She expressed her desire to transform perceptions for women in music through her new initiative, The Leading Vibe Initiative, which aims to empower young female musicians across Africa.
The initiative kicked off in Lagos, where Tems hosted workshops and discussions for budding vocalists, producers, and songwriters. She emphasized the importance of self-awareness for aspiring artists, advising them to define their boundaries in the industry. With a passion for her craft, Tems declared, “If I wasn’t famous, I’d still be doing music.”
Over the past five years, Tems has collaborated with major names like Beyoncé and Rihanna and is set to support Coldplay on their tour. Beyond music, she has also ventured into sports, becoming co-owner of the US football club San Diego FC, a move she describes as an unexpected but exciting opportunity.
Tems attributes her success to being "authentic" and refuses to change her style for marketability. Her story serves as an inspiration for women everywhere, proving that ambition and authenticity can carve paths in industries that often overlook female talent.
