Nigerian Afropop star Tems has opened up about the gender challenges women face in the music industry, saying that “people don’t really respect women” in her field.
Speaking to the BBC, the two-time Grammy award-winner revealed that at the start of her career, she struggled to be taken seriously. “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 wasn’t a lot of options,” she said.
Afropop has enjoyed massive global growth in the past decade, yet it remains male-dominated. The industry’s leading figures, often referred to as the “Big Three,” are Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid. Female stars such as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have publicly addressed the barriers they face because of their gender.
Earlier this year, Tems responded to negative online comments about her body after a performance video circulated on X. In her post, she wrote that she had never hidden her body and did not feel the need to prove or disprove anyone, adding that the more people disliked her body, the better for her.
Determined to change the narrative for women in music, Tems has launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, a platform aimed at creating opportunities for young women across Africa’s music industries. “I promised myself that if I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me and maybe make it easier for women to access platforms and access a wider audience and success,” she said.
The initiative debuted in Lagos with workshops, masterclasses and panel discussions for vocalists, songwriters and producers, providing them with both skills and networking opportunities. Tems advised aspiring female artists to define their personal and professional boundaries early. “What are the things that you wouldn’t do for fame and the things that you would do?” she asked.
Since her debut EP five years ago, Tems has collaborated with global stars including Beyoncé and Rihanna, attracted over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and headlined international festivals. Next month, she will join British band Coldplay for their sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium.
Beyond music, Tems has ventured into sports ownership as part-owner of US football club San Diego FC, a move she said she never imagined. She joined the club’s ownership alongside West African investment firm Pave Investments, which also supports the African Basketball League.
Tems believes her success comes from being “authentic” and “audacious,” refusing to compromise on her sound or style for record deals. She hopes her journey inspires others to take bold steps. “I don’t see myself as just a singer, just a musician, just an artist. I’m much more than that,” she said.
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