Women Deserve More Respect in the Music Industry

Renowned Nigerian musician Tems has opened up about the challenges faced by women in the Afropop music industry, highlighting a persistent lack of respect towards female artists.

Speaking with the BBC, Tems, a two-time Grammy Award winner, reflected on her early career struggles, stating, “I realized that there’s always a cost. There’s always a price that you pay. And a lot of those prices I wasn’t willing to pay, and there weren’t a lot of options.”

Despite the significant rise of Afropop music over the last decade, the genre remains predominantly male-oriented. The most recognized figures, often referred to as the “Big Three”—Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid—are all male, while notable female artists like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade have raised concerns about the hurdles they encounter due to their gender.

Earlier in the year, Tems responded to negative online comments regarding her appearance following a performance video shared on X. She emphasized body positivity, stating, “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.”

With a vision to reshape how women view themselves in the music industry, Tems has launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, aimed at creating opportunities for young women across Africa’s music scene. “I promised myself that if I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me,” she mentioned, emphasizing the importance of accessible platforms for aspiring female artists.

Kickstarting this initiative in her hometown of Lagos, Tems has organized workshops and masterclasses for vocalists, songwriters, and producers to foster skills and networking opportunities. When asked about advice for young women aspiring to enter the industry, she emphasized the necessity of understanding one’s brand and the boundaries one must set for oneself.

Tems, who gained fame with hits like “Love Me Jeje” and “Free Mind,” believes that passion for music is crucial for success in this competitive space. “It’s not everybody that sings that loves music. If I wasn’t famous, I would still be doing music,” she noted.

Having collaborated with prominent artists like Beyoncé and Rihanna, Tems has achieved significant milestones, including over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify. She is also set to support British band Coldplay during their upcoming concerts at Wembley Stadium.

Tems articulates that her success thrives on authenticity and audacity, willing to reject suggestions to alter her unique style: “Even when people tell you to change your sound, you look at them and you say: ‘No’. If it meant me not being signed, I was okay not being signed.”

In addition to her musical career, Tems has merged her passion for football by becoming a part-owner of the US soccer team San Diego FC. “I never imagined myself owning or being in ownership of any football team,” she shared, crediting her brother for introducing her to the sport. Her involvement represents her ambition for diversification and breaking barriers within the industry.

Tems hopes to inspire others to pursue ventures that challenge conventional expectations, stating, “I don’t see myself as just a singer, just a musician, just an artist. I’m much more than that.”