Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has opened up candidly about the pervasive gender bias that continues to challenge women in the Nigerian music industry. In a recent interview with the BBC, Tems revealed how she struggled to be taken seriously early in her career simply because she is a woman.
“People don’t really respect women in the [music] industry,” Tems stated, reflecting on the lack of recognition and opportunities female artists often face behind the scenes. Her experiences mirror those of many other female musicians in a male-dominated sector where men largely dominate the spotlight and influential positions.
Motivated to change this narrative, Tems recently launched The Leading Vibe Initiative — a program designed to empower and support women in music. The initiative provides access to mentorship, workshops, and platforms that give women artists greater visibility and opportunities to succeed. Tems hopes this platform will reshape how women view themselves and their roles within the industry.
Tems advised upcoming female artists to have a clear vision of their goals, brand identity, and personal boundaries. She urged them to ask themselves, “What are the things that you wouldn’t do for fame and the things that you would do?” underscoring the importance of self-awareness and integrity in a highly competitive environment.
Beyond her music, Tems is committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable industry where women artists can thrive without having to pay the high costs of discrimination or tokenism. Her initiative and advocacy are creating pathways for many young talents and shifting longstanding industry dynamics.
As a pioneering figure in Afrobeat music, Tems continues to inspire change both on and off the stage, paving the way for a new generation of empowered female musicians in Nigeria and Africa at large.
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