Grammy-winning Afropop star Tems: ‘Women are not respected in the industry’

Afropop star Tems: “Women Are Not Respected in the Industry”

Afropop star Tems opens up about gender inequality in music and her mission to change the game for African women.

Tems Breaks the Silence on Industry Sexism

Nigerian Afropop artist Tems, a two-time Grammy winner, has spoken out about the deep-rooted gender inequality in the music industry. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, she revealed how difficult it was to be taken seriously as a woman when she first started her career.

“People don’t really respect women in this industry,” Tems said. “There’s always a cost… a price that you pay. And a lot of those prices I wasn’t willing to pay.”

Afropop’s Male-Dominated Landscape

Afropop’s explosive global rise over the last decade hasn’t translated into equal opportunity for women. The genre’s so-called “Big Three” – Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid – are all men, while successful female artists like Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade continue to face systemic barriers.

Tems, known for hits like Free Mind and Love Me Jeje, has had to push past stereotypes and biases to reach her current level of success.

Body-Shaming and Social Media Scrutiny

Earlier this year, Tems faced online backlash after a performance video went viral, sparking unwanted commentary about her body. She responded powerfully on X (formerly Twitter), saying:

“It’s just a body… I never once hid my body. I just didn’t feel the need to prove or disprove anyone.”

Her calm but firm response highlighted the intense pressures women in music face not just professionally, but personally.

The Leading Vibe Initiative: Empowering Women

To address these challenges, Tems recently launched The Leading Vibe Initiative, a platform aimed at opening doors for young African women in music. The initiative debuted in her hometown of Lagos, with workshops and masterclasses for vocalists, producers, and songwriters.

“If I get to a place where I can do more, I will,” Tems said. “This is about helping women like me get access to platforms and success.”

Advice to Young Women: Know Your Boundaries

When asked what advice she would give to young women hoping to enter the industry, Tems emphasized self-awareness and integrity.

“What are the things you wouldn’t do for fame? It’s important to know your brand, your boundaries, and what you really want.”

Tems believes passion is key. “It’s not everybody that sings that loves music,” she said, adding that she would still be making music even without fame—possibly performing in a small jazz club somewhere on a Friday night.

From Lagos to the World Stage

Since releasing her debut EP just five years ago, Tems has collaborated with global icons like Beyoncé and Rihanna, and now has over 17 million monthly listeners on Spotify. In September, she’ll be joining Coldplay during their sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in the UK.

She attributes her rise to authenticity and staying true to her art.

“Even when people told me to change my sound or style, I said no. If it meant not getting signed, I was okay with that.”

Beyond Music: A New Role in Sports Ownership

Tems is also expanding her influence beyond music. She recently became a part-owner of San Diego FC, a US football club, through her partnership with Pave Investments. The move came as a surprise even to her.

“I never imagined owning a football team,” she admitted. “But now I see it’s possible to do things no one expected.”

Tems’ journey shows that she isn’t just an artist she’s a visionary shaping new paths for women across industries.

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