Tems Launches the Leading Vibe Initiative to Empower African Women in Music

Grammy-winning artist Tems has announced the launch of the Leading Vibe Initiative, a groundbreaking platform aimed at empowering and elevating women across Africa’s music industry. The initiative kicks off in Lagos, Nigeria. Renowned for her distinctive voice and global hits like “Love Me Jeje”, Tems is now using her influence to open doors for the next generation of women in music. But this isn’t just about singers—the Leading Vibe Initiative is designed to uplift songwriters, producers, engineers, and other behind-the-scenes talent who are often overlooked. Sharing the news on social media, Tems wrote: “Today, I’m so proud to launch The Leading Vibe. From my self-taught journey with no roadmap, I created this initiative to support African women in music—those breaking barriers, building boldly, and leading the next wave.” Tems’ own experience navigating the music industry without formal training or established connections serves as the inspiration behind the initiative. With Leading Vibe, she aims to provide structured support, community, and visibility for emerging female talent across the continent. The initiative officially launches on August 8–9 in Lagos, where a two-day immersive program will welcome Nigerian women aged 18 to 35. Participants will engage in hands-on workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions led by respected music professionals. The goal is to equip attendees with essential tools, industry knowledge, and connections—all within a supportive, creative environment. For Tems, this project is personal. Despite Nigeria’s booming music scene, she notes that women still face significant barriers, particularly in technical and creative leadership roles. “Leading Vibe is for the ones who believe. The ones who dare to be different. The ones with a dream to be seen—and a voice that deserves to be heard,” she said. Looking ahead, the Leading Vibe Initiative plans to expand to other African cities, creating a continent-wide network of empowered women in music. Applications are now open for those ready to be part of this transformative movement. Watch Tems speak about the initiative [here].