Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems has opened up about the gender inequalities prevalent in the music industry, emphasizing the need for greater respect for women in a space largely dominated by male artists. The two-time Grammy award-winner reflected on her own experiences at the beginning of her career, stating, "I realized that there's always a cost. There's always a price that you pay. A lot of those prices I wasn't willing to pay, and there weren't a lot of options."
Afropop's rise to global prominence over the past decade has not changed the industry's patriarchal landscape. Tems pointed out that the so-called "Big Three" of the genre—Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid—are all male, with female artists like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade also facing substantial barriers because of their gender.
The singer recently made headlines when she defended herself against online body-shaming after a video of her performance circulated on the social media platform X. In response, she asserted, "It's just a body. I will add and lose weight... The more you don't like my body, the better for me actually." Tems expressed her desire to transform how women view themselves in the music industry and is working toward this goal through her new initiative, The Leading Vibe Initiative.
Launching in her hometown of Lagos, this initiative provides opportunities for aspiring female vocalists, songwriters, and producers through workshops and masterclasses. Tems aims to ease the path for women in the industry and remarked, "I promised myself that if I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me."
When offering advice to young women aspiring to enter the industry, Tems emphasized the importance of knowing one’s brand and boundaries, stating, "What are the things that you wouldn't do for fame and the things that you would do?" Drawing from her own journey, which includes collaborations with global icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, and more than 17 million monthly Spotify listeners, she encouraged persistence and authenticity: "If it meant me not being signed, I was okay not being signed."
Tems has also ventured beyond the music scene and is now a part-owner of the US football club, San Diego FC. She remarked, "I never imagined myself owning... a football team," showcasing her multifaceted interests and aspirations. Through her achievements, she encourages others to boldly pursue their passions, stating, "I don't see myself as just a singer... I'm much more than that."
