Tems on Breaking Barriers for Women in Music and Beyond
Tems is on a mission—not just to make great music, but to shift the way women are seen and heard in the industry.
Speaking with BBC Africa, the award-winning singer revealed that earning respect as a woman in music hasn’t been easy. “It was difficult to find people to take me seriously, but I didn’t stop. I just kept going,” she shared.
For Tems, real success isn’t just about personal milestones—it’s about creating space for other women to rise. Through her platform, The Leading Vibe Initiative, she aims to connect, mentor, and promote African female singers, songwriters, and producers.
“As a woman, I’m the best person to start something like this,” the two-time Grammy winner explained. Her vision extends far beyond the stage, pushing for representation in every corner of the industry—from producers and audio engineers to managers and instrumentalists.
She recalled moments when she was advised to change her sound or style to fit industry expectations. “If it meant not being signed, I was okay with that,” she said, reflecting on turning down deals that didn’t align with her values.
But Tems’ ambitions aren’t confined to music. She’s also stepped into the world of sports, becoming part-owner of a US football club in San Diego—a move she admits she never imagined. “It’s a space where women are underrepresented, and I wanted to show that women can be anywhere they want,” she said.
From the recording booth to the football field, Tems is proving that women can rewrite the rules and thrive in any arena they choose.
