Tems Addresses Gender Inequality in the Music Industry, Launches Initiative to Empower African Women
Grammy Award-winning Nigerian Afropop sensation, Temilade Openiyi, widely recognized by her stage name Tems, has voiced her concerns over the persistent lack of respect and recognition afforded to women within the global music industry.
In a recent interview with the BBC, which gained significant traction online on Tuesday, Tems opened up about the numerous challenges she faced as a woman trying to make a name for herself in a male-dominated musical landscape. The singer-songwriter, who made history in 2023 by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy Award, shared candid insights into her journey, revealing how difficult it was for her to be taken seriously during the formative years of her career.
Reflecting on her early experiences, Tems explained that she often found herself in situations where she had to choose between compromising her values or missing out on opportunities. “I came to understand very early that there’s always a cost associated with staying true to yourself. There’s a price for being authentic, and many of those costs were things I simply wasn’t willing to pay. At that time, the options for women were extremely limited,” she stated.
Gender based-barriers on women in music
Over the past decade, Afropop has evolved into a globally celebrated genre, largely led by prominent Nigerian male artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido — commonly referred to as the “Big Three.” However, female artists, including Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, have continued to shed light on the systemic gender-based barriers that hinder the progress of women in the industry.
Tems has also faced her share of public scrutiny. Earlier this year, she became the subject of online criticism after a performance video went viral on X (formerly known as Twitter), with many commenting negatively on her physical appearance. Responding confidently, Tems wrote, “It’s just a body. I gain and lose weight like anyone else. I’ve never tried to hide my body — I just don’t feel the need to explain myself to anyone. The more uncomfortable people are with how I look, the better it is for me, honestly.”
Determined to be part of the solution, Tems has taken steps to support other women aspiring to make it in the music industry. She recently introduced The Leading Vibe Initiative, a platform dedicated to providing opportunities, mentorship, and resources for young women across Africa who want to pursue careers in music. Speaking about the vision behind the initiative, she explained, “I made a personal promise that if I ever got to a point in my career where I had the capacity to give back, I would create something meaningful for women like me. This initiative is about giving women easier access to platforms, audiences, and the tools they need to succeed.”
Tems authenticity was my strength
Tems credited her rise to fame to her unwavering commitment to staying true to herself. She emphasized that throughout her career, she has resisted pressure to conform or alter her artistic identity. “People often advised me to change — to adjust my sound or switch up my image — but I refused. I always believed that my authenticity was my strength. Even if it meant not getting signed to a label, I was okay with that. I went to several places that rejected me, and I accepted that without compromising who I am,” she said.
Through her talent, determination, and newly launched initiative, Tems is not only redefining what it means to be a successful female artist in Nigeria’s music scene but is also paving the way for a new generation of women to rise without having to sacrifice their identity or integrity.
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