Two-time Grammy winner Tems discusses the gender challenges in the male-dominated Afropop industry and aims to change perceptions through her new initiative designed to support aspiring female musicians across Africa.
Tems Challenges Gender Bias in Afropop Industry with New Initiative
Tems Challenges Gender Bias in Afropop Industry with New Initiative
Nigerian star Tems highlights the lack of respect for women in Afropop and launches The Leading Vibe Initiative to empower female artists.
Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems has shed light on the persistent gender biases in the music industry, claiming that "people don't really respect women" in this domain. In an interview with the BBC, the Grammy award-winning artist reflected on her early career, admitting to the difficulties she faced in being 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," Tems shared.
Despite the significant rise in popularity of Afropop, the genre remains largely dominated by male artists, with figures like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid representing the so-called "Big Three." This offers stark contrast to the experiences of established female artists like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, who have voiced the unique challenges they encounter due to their gender.
Tems has also been vocal about body shaming, recently confronting negative remarks made about her appearance following a performance clip shared online. Responding on social media, she stated, "It's just a body... The more you don't like my body the better for me actually." Her desire to change the narrative surrounding female musicians doesn't stop there; she has founded The Leading Vibe Initiative to foster opportunities for young women in Africa's music scene.
Launched in Lagos, the initiative offers workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions aimed at connecting young female vocalists, producers, and songwriters. In sharing her insights with aspiring artists, Tems emphasized the importance of self-definition and maintaining personal boundaries within the industry. "What are the things that you wouldn't do for fame and the things that you would do?" she advised.
Five years into her career, Tems has already made her mark by collaborating with international icons such as Beyoncé and Rihanna, amassing over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and headlining festivals globally. Next month, she will join British band Coldplay in Wembley Stadium for their sold-out shows.
Additionally, she has ventured into sports by becoming part-owner of the US football club San Diego FC, an opportunity she never anticipated. Tems credits her success to her authenticity and audacity, insisting, "Even when people tell you to change your sound... You look at them and you say: 'No'." Her motto encapsulates a broader message of empowerment, inviting others to pursue the unconventional and challenge the status quo. Through her music and initiatives, she aims to prove that she is "much more than just a singer."
