Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems has expressed serious concerns about the treatment of women in the music industry, stating in a BBC interview that "people don't really respect women" in this space. The Grammy award-winning artist revealed that at the onset of her career, she faced significant challenges regarding being taken seriously as an artist. "I realised that there's always a cost. There's always a price that you pay. And a lot of those prices I wasn't willing to pay and there weren't a lot of options," she noted.
Despite the growing global popularity of Afropop, the genre remains predominantly male-led, characterized by figures like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid, while female artists such as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have expressed their frustrations with systemic barriers based on gender. Earlier this year, Tems defended herself against internet trolls criticizing her body after a performance video was shared online. In an emphatic social media statement, she remarked, "It's just a body... the more you don't like my body the better for me actually."
Determined to alter the narrative for women in the industry, Tems launched "The Leading Vibe Initiative," which provides a platform for young women in Africa's music scene to develop their talents. The initiative debuted in her hometown of Lagos, marked by workshops, masterclasses, and discussions aimed at fostering skills and networking opportunities among aspiring female musicians.
Encouraging young women aspiring to break into the industry, Tems shared, "It's important to have an idea of what you want for yourself, what your brand is, what's your boundary... What are the things that you wouldn't do for fame and the things that you would do?" With her extensive catalog, including hits like "Love Me Jeje" and "Free Mind," Tems has achieved significant success, collaborating with global icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna. Presently, she is set to support Coldplay during their sold-out concerts in Wembley Stadium next month.
Beyond her musical pursuits, Tems has recently become part-owner of the U.S. football club San Diego FC, a venture that reflects her varied interests and ambitions. "I never imagined myself owning or being in an ownership of any football team," she said, highlighting her foray into sports, a passion inspired by her brother. Through this involvement, Tems hopes to demonstrate that bold aspirations can transcend conventional boundaries, declaring, "I don't see myself as just a singer... I'm much more than that."
