Quote from Alex bobby on August 13, 2025, 7:31 AM

Grammy-Winning Afropop Star Tems: “Women Are Not Respected in the Industry”

Afropop has taken the world by storm over the last decade, becoming a dominant force in global music charts and streaming platforms. Yet, behind the glittering stage lights and sold-out arenas, the genre remains deeply male-dominated. Nigeria’s Grammy-winning Afropop sensation, Tems, is calling this out — and working to change it.

Despite the rapid expansion of Afropop’s reach, the scene’s most celebrated figures are still overwhelmingly male. The so-called “Big Three” — Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid — are all men, while female stars like Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Tems herself have had to fight for recognition in an industry rife with gender barriers.

Tems is not shying away from addressing the imbalance. In a candid interview with the BBC, she stated plainly: “Women are not respected in the industry.” Her words cut to the heart of an issue many female artists have spoken about for years but which remains stubbornly entrenched in the music world.

Facing Criticism Beyond the Music

Tems’ fight is not just about earning a seat at the table — it’s about the deeply personal struggles that come with being a woman in the spotlight. Earlier this year, she found herself the subject of body-shaming after a performance clip went viral on X (formerly Twitter).

Instead of bowing to the negativity, Tems responded with unapologetic confidence:

“It's just a body, I will add and lose weight. I never once hid my body, I just didn't feel the need to prove or disprove anyone. The more you don't like my body the better for me actually.”

Her defiance struck a chord with fans who saw in her words a message of self-acceptance and personal strength. For Tems, such criticism is yet another symptom of a larger problem — the industry’s tendency to judge women more on their looks than their talent.

The Leading Vibe Initiative: A Platform for Change

Tems is determined not just to call out the problem but to create real, lasting solutions. Her latest project, The Leading Vibe Initiative, is designed to provide young women in Africa’s music industries with the tools, training, and connections they need to succeed.

“I promised myself that if I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me and maybe make it easier for women to access platforms and access a wider audience and success,” she told the BBC.

Launched in her hometown of Lagos, the initiative’s debut event brought together vocalists, songwriters, and producers for workshops, masterclasses, and panel discussions. The goal was not only to sharpen technical skills but also to build networks and foster mentorship among women in music — something Tems says she wishes she’d had in her early career.

Advice for the Next Generation

Asked what advice she’d give to young women trying to break into Afropop, Tems emphasised the importance of knowing yourself before fame finds you.

“I think it's important to have an idea of what you want for yourself, what your brand is, what's your boundary. What are the things that you wouldn't do for fame and the things that you would do?”

She cautions against chasing music purely for celebrity status. For Tems, passion has always been the driving force.

“It's not everybody that sings that loves music. If I wasn't famous, I would still be doing music. I would be in some kind of jazz club... randomly on a Friday night.”

That authenticity, she says, is what allows artists to endure in a tough, unpredictable industry.

From Lagos to the Global Stage

It’s been just five years since Tems released her debut EP, but her rise has been meteoric. She has collaborated with music icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, racked up more than 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and headlined major festivals across continents. Her hits, including Love Me Jeje and Free Mind, have become staples of Afropop playlists worldwide.

And she’s showing no signs of slowing down. Next month, Tems will open for British rock band Coldplay during their sold-out run of shows at Wembley Stadium in the UK — a gig that cements her status as one of Africa’s most prominent and influential musical exports.

Shifting the Narrative

While her career achievements are impressive, Tems is increasingly focused on the legacy she can leave behind — particularly for women. In an industry that too often sidelines female voices, she’s determined to create a culture where women are seen as equals, valued for their talent, and given the same opportunities as their male counterparts.

Her words and actions are resonating with a new generation of artists, many of whom see in Tems a role model who refuses to compromise her values for success.

“Women are not respected in the industry,” she says. “But we can change that.”

With her platform, influence, and relentless commitment to empowering others, Tems is proving that she’s not just making music — she’s making history.

Final Thoughts
Tems’ journey is a reminder that breaking barriers often requires more than talent; it demands courage, resilience, and a willingness to stand up for what’s right. In championing women’s voices and creating spaces for them to thrive, she’s not only reshaping Afropop — she’s redefining what it means to be a leader in music.

conclusion

Tems’ rise to global stardom is a testament to her talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to empowering women in music. By using her voice and influence to challenge stereotypes, confront sexism, and create tangible opportunities through The Leading Vibe Initiative, she is not only shaping her own legacy but also paving the way for the next generation of African female artists. In an industry where women are too often sidelined, Tems stands as proof that change is possible when passion meets purpose — and her journey is only just beginning.

meta description

Grammy-winning Afropop star Tems is challenging sexism in the music industry through her new platform, The Leading Vibe Initiative, empowering women across Africa to succeed.