Tems Laments Gender Bias in Nigerian Music Industry, Launches Initiative to Empower Women

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has decried the lack of respect for women in the country’s music industry.

Speaking in a recent interview with the BBC, the Love Me Jeje crooner revealed that she struggled to be taken seriously at the start of her career simply because she is a woman.

“People don’t really respect women in the [music] industry,” Tems said.

In a bid to address the imbalance, she has launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, a platform she says is designed to change the way women see themselves in music.

According to her, the initiative aims to give women easier access to opportunities, a wider audience, and greater success in their careers.

She also advised aspiring female musicians to be clear about their goals, personal brands, and boundaries.
“What are the things that you wouldn’t do for fame and the things that you would do?” she asked.