Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems has opened up to the BBC about the challenges faced by women in her industry, stating bluntly, "people don't truly respect women." The double Grammy Award-winner recounted her early career struggles, revealing, "I came to understand that success carries a hidden cost—a price one must pay. Many of those prices, I was unwilling to settle, and options seemed scarce."
Despite Afropop's global surge in popularity over the past decade, the industry remains notoriously male-dominated. The elite trio—Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid—all male artists, reign supreme, while their female counterparts, like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, have spoken candidly about the gender-based obstacles they encounter.
Earlier this year, Tems faced online scrutiny over her body after a performance video was shared on X. She responded defiantly on social media, "It's merely a body; I'll gain and lose weight. I've never concealed my body; I simply never felt the need to validate or invalidate anyone's perception. The more you dislike my body, the better for me, actually."
Tems told the BBC that she aspires to "transform the way women perceive themselves in music," a mission she plans to undertake through her innovative platform, The Leading Vibe Initiative. This project aims to empower young women across Africa's music industries by providing them with vital opportunities.
"I vowed to myself that if I ever reached a position of influence, I would create this initiative for women like me, perhaps making it easier for us to access platforms, broader audiences, and success," Tems said.
The initiative launched on Friday in Tems' hometown of Lagos, inviting vocalists, songwriters, and producers to a series of workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions designed to nurture their talents and establish connections.
When asked for advice to aspiring young women in the industry, Tems emphasized, "It's crucial to have a clear vision of what you want for yourself, what your brand stands for, and where your boundaries lie. Identify the compromises you're unwilling to make for fame versus those you're willing to undertake."
Tems, who has charted hits with songs like "Love Me Jeje" and "Free Mind," stressed the importance of passion in one's craft. "Not everyone who sings truly loves music. Even if I weren't famous, I'd still be making music—perhaps performing in a jazz club on a random Friday night," she said.
However, Tems' reality is far removed from such humble beginnings. Five years after her debut EP, she's collaborated with icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, amassed over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and headlined international festivals. Next month, she'll join British band Coldplay as their support act during their sold-out Wembley Stadium tour.
Tems attributes her success to being "authentic" and "audacious." "When people urge you to change your sound or style, you look them in the eye and say, 'No.' I was content not being signed if it meant compromising my authenticity. I visited several labels that didn't sign me, and I was okay with that," she said.
Music isn't Tems' sole passion; she's also an avid football fan and recently became a co-owner of US football club San Diego FC. "I never envisioned myself owning or being part of a football team's ownership," she said, crediting her brother for introducing her to the sport.
Tems joined San Diego FC's ownership with Pave Investments, a West African private investment firm that also supported the NBA-affiliated African Basketball League. Her involvement with San Diego FC gives her hope that "people can dare to venture into territories once deemed impossible."
"I don't see myself solely as a singer, musician, or artist. I'm so much more than that," she concluded.
