**In a recent interview, Grammy-winning artist Tems opens up about the challenges faced by women in the music industry, emphasizing her commitment to creating opportunities for future generations through her Leading Vibe Initiative.**
**Empowering Women in Afropop: Tems Advocates for Respect and Opportunity in the Music Industry**

**Empowering Women in Afropop: Tems Advocates for Respect and Opportunity in the Music Industry**
**Nigerian star Tems sheds light on gender disparities while launching an initiative to uplift women in music.**
Nigerian sensation Tems is striking a chord beyond her musical achievements, as she addresses the prevalent gender imbalances within the Afropop industry. In an insightful discussion with the BBC, the two-time Grammy Award winner revealed her experiences with sexism, stating, "people don't really respect women" in the music arena.
Tems, who found initial success in a world dominated by male artists like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid, acknowledges the struggles female artists frequently encounter. Notably, she shared, "I realized 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."
Despite Afropop's surging global recognition over the last decade, women still wrestle with unfair treatment and scrutiny. Earlier this year, Tems publicly confronted hurtful comments aimed at her body after a performance clip went viral, asserting her self-acceptance and resilience. She tweeted, "It's just a body, I will add and lose weight. The more you don't like my body, the better for me actually."
To combat these challenges, Tems launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, a platform dedicated to empowering young women throughout Africa's music sectors. "If I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me,” she proclaimed, highlighting her mission to pave the way for future female artists.
The initiative kicked off recently in Lagos, her hometown, featuring workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions aimed at nurturing talent and fostering connections among emerging vocalists, producers, and songwriters. When asked for advice for young women aspiring to enter the industry, Tems emphasized the importance of having a clear vision for oneself and understanding personal boundaries in the pursuit of fame.
Five years since her debut EP, Tems has collaborated with icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, amassing a following of over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify. Her next significant appearance will be as a supporting act for Coldplay during their sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium.
Tems attributes her success to her authenticity and audacity, encouraging aspiring artists to remain true to their identities. “Even when people tell you to change your sound or style, you look at them and say: 'No,'" she asserted.
Beyond her music career, Tems has ventured into sports as part-owner of the US football team San Diego FC. "I never imagined myself owning or being in ownership of any football team," she confessed, reflecting on her journey from burgeoning musician to multifaceted entrepreneur.
Her partnership with Pave Investments, which also aids the NBA-linked African Basketball League, exemplifies her vision of breaking traditional barriers in the industry. "I don't see myself as just a singer... I'm much more than that," she stated, emphasizing her desire to inspire others to embrace boldness in their career paths.