Tems Speaks Out on Gender Inequality in the Afropop Industry

Wed Oct 22 2025 09:45:00 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems highlights the challenges women face in the music industry and launches an initiative to empower young female talent.

Grammy-winning artist Tems discusses the lack of respect for women in the Afropop scene, sharing her own experiences and unveiling her initiative, The Leading Vibe Initiative, to support young female musicians across Africa.

Nigerian Afropop artist Tems, celebrated for her Grammy wins and global collaborations, has opened up about the inherent gender biases within the music industry. Speaking with the BBC, she lamented, "people don't really respect women" in her field. Reflecting on her early career, Tems revealed that she had to face numerous challenges to be taken seriously, stating, "There's always a price that you pay. And a lot of those prices I wasn't willing to pay."

Despite the explosive popularity of Afropop over the past decade, the genre remains largely male-dominated, with notable figures like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid often overshadowing their female counterparts. Artists such as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have also voiced their frustrations regarding the obstacles posed by gender disparity in the industry.

Earlier this year, Tems responded to online criticism of her body following a performance video posted on X. She asserted, “It's just a body, I will add and lose weight. I just didn't feel the need to prove or disprove anyone.” This taunt only motivated Tems further, encouraging her to promote self-acceptance among women in music.

In her pursuit of change, Tems launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, aimed at empowering emerging female musicians across Africa. The project, initiated in Lagos, includes workshops and masterclasses for young vocalists, songwriters, and producers, helping them forge connections and develop their skills.

To young women aspiring to succeed in the industry, Tems emphasized the need for clarity on personal goals and professional boundaries: “What are the things that you wouldn't do for fame?" Her advice underscores a commitment to authenticity, which she attributes as key to her success in a competitive industry.

Five years after her debut EP, Tems boasts impressive collaborations with global icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, and has amassed over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify. She is set to support British band Coldplay during their upcoming Wembley Stadium concerts, further solidifying her status as a leading figure in contemporary music.

Beyond music, Tems has also ventured into sports, becoming part-owner of the US football club San Diego FC. She urges others to embrace bold pursuits: “I don't see myself as just a singer; I'm much more than that.” Here, Tems exemplifies her beliefs in challenging norms and redefining success beyond conventional expectations.