Tems Launches “Leading Vibe” Initiative to Empower African Women in Music

Nigerian music superstar Tems has unveiled a ground breaking initiative aimed at addressing the gender imbalance in Africa’s music industry. The program, called the “Leading Vibe” initiative, is designed to empower and support young African women pursuing careers in music.

Launched in July 2025, the Leading Vibe initiative first edition will kick off in Lagos, Nigeria, on August 8–9, 2025, targeting women aged 18 to 35 with interests in music production, songwriting, vocal performance, and music business.

Leading Vibe initiative is Tems’ direct response to the underrepresentation of women in the African music scene. Despite her own meteoric rise, Tems has long spoken about the barriers women face in the industry, from lack of access to equipment and mentorship, to broader systemic biases.

“This is more than a program, it’s a movement,” Tems said in the official announcement. “It’s a space where women can be seen, heard, and supported at every stage of their journey.”

The Leading Vibe initiative arrives at a crucial time. According to a 2024 global music study, women make up just 22% of all recording artists, 12.8% of songwriters, and only 3% of music producers. These disparities are even more pronounced in Africa, where resources, mentorship, and institutional support for women are scarce.

Tems’ new initiative seeks to close that gap through hands-on education, access to equipment, and a strong mentorship network.

What the Program Offers

The Lagos pilot will feature:

• Workshops in music production, songwriting, business, and branding

• Masterclasses hosted by industry professionals

• Mentorship from experienced artists and executives

• Studio access and production tools through partnerships with brands like Native Instruments

• Networking opportunities for regional and international collaboration

Participants will gain both technical and creative skills, and most importantly, a community of like-minded women striving for excellence in music.

Application Details

Applications are now open on the Leading Vibe website. Applicants are expected to show talent, passion, and a willingness to uplift others. Application for the inaugural program will close  July 13, 2025 and  total of 15 women will be selected for the.

A Long-Term Vision

While the pilot begins in Lagos, Tems has expressed a clear intention to expand across Africa.

“There are young women in Accra, Nairobi, Johannesburg, and beyond who just need access to the right tools and guidance,” she said. “This is only the beginning.”

Tems envisions the Leading Vibe initiative growing into a continent-wide network that nurtures female talent and sparks innovation in the global music space.

The Bigger Picture

Tems’ initiative aligns with broader efforts to address gender inequity in the music industry. In recent years, female artists like Ayra Starr, Tiwa Savage, and Amaarae have helped to elevate the presence of African women on the global stage but challenges remain.

A 2023 Teen Vogue feature on the Afrobeats industry highlighted persistent structural obstacles for women, including limited label support and gendered expectations. Tems’ initiative represents a proactive effort to shift that narrative by building a new pipeline of empowered, skilled female creators.

Tems is not just using her platform, she’s creating one. The Leading Vibe initiative is a bold, timely intervention that could redefine the future for African women in music. As the first cohort prepares for its launch this August, all eyes will be on Lagos, where a new wave of creative voices is ready to rise.

For more information or to apply, visit www.leadingvibe.com.