Tems Calls Out Music Industry: ‘People Don’t Respect Women Enough’

Tems addresses gender inequality in African music industry during BBC interview




Nigerian Afropop sensation Tems has spoken candidly about gender inequality in the music industry, stressing that women continue to face a lack of respect despite the global rise of African music.


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Speaking in an interview with BBC Africa, the two-time Grammy Award winner said her experience as a woman places her in a unique position to address the problem. “I just find that people don’t really respect women a lot in the industry. As a woman myself, I’m the best person to start something like this,” Tems said.


Reflecting on her early career, Tems explained that female artists often face limited choices in a male-dominated Afropop scene. “There’s always a cost, always a price you pay. Many of those prices I wasn’t willing to pay, and there weren’t many options,” she said.


Although stars like Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid dominate charts, female artists such as Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade continue to face structural challenges. In response, Tems has launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, a platform designed to empower young African women in music. The Lagos-based debut event featured workshops, masterclasses, and panel sessions aimed at nurturing talent among vocalists, songwriters, and producers.


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    She urged emerging female artists to set personal boundaries and remain authentic. “What are the things you wouldn’t do for fame, and the things you would?” she advised.


    Tems has also spoken out against online body-shaming, promoting self-acceptance. “It’s just a body. I’ll add and lose weight. I never once hid my body, I just didn’t feel the need to prove or disprove anyone,” she said earlier this year.


    Since releasing her debut EP five years ago, Tems has collaborated with Beyoncé and Rihanna, amassed more than 17 million monthly Spotify listeners, and performed at major international festivals. She is also set to join Coldplay for their sold-out Wembley Stadium shows.


    Beyond music, Tems has diversified her career by becoming part-owner of US soccer club San Diego FC. “I’m much more than a singer or musician,” she said. “Through The Leading Vibe Initiative, I hope to reshape how women are viewed in African music and create paths to success that earn respect.”


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