Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has spoken out about the challenges women face in the country’s music industry, revealing that she struggled to be taken seriously early in her career because of her gender.
In a recent interview with the BBC, the Love Me Jeje hitmaker stated bluntly:
“People don’t really respect women in the [music] industry.”
Tems explained that her experiences motivated her to work toward changing the perception of women in music and creating opportunities for them to thrive. To achieve this, she has launched a new platform called The Leading Vibe Initiative, which she says is dedicated to giving women easier access to music platforms, “a wider audience and success.”
She hopes the initiative will inspire more women to embrace their creativity, take control of their careers, and set boundaries that protect their values.
“What are the things that you wouldn’t do for fame and the things that you would do?” she advised aspiring female artists, stressing the importance of self-awareness and brand identity.
Tems’ comments echo the sentiments of other Nigerian female stars, including Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, who have previously spoken out about gender-based barriers in the industry, from lack of recognition to unequal opportunities compared to their male counterparts.
With her global success and influence, Tems aims to be a leading voice in dismantling these stereotypes, ensuring that the next generation of women in Nigerian music gain the respect and opportunities they deserve.
