In the past five years, African women artists have been making a strong climb to the top of the charts. FromTems toAyra Starr,Tyla, andAmaarae, there is a growing expansion of the space typically reserved for only a few names amongst a male-dominated field. Issues that range from traditional gender roles to pay gaps have always plagued African women music artists. Pioneering artists like theLijadu Sisters are often excluded from the early history of Afrobeat music, despite emerging at the same time asFela Kuti, the well-known king of the genre and its surrounding movement.
In a bid to continue to establish a pathway for other women artists like herself, Tems recently launched the Leading Vibe Initiative. The initiative is a mentorship and support program designed to empower and connect emerging women artists with the support and community they need to grow.
At the announcement of the initiative, Tems told OkayAfrica that the initiative was born out of an awareness of the myriad challenges facing women African artists and a strong desire to address them. "My goal with the Leading Vibe Initiative is to help discover and support talented young women who have the potential to redefine the industry," Tems said back in July. "By opening doors and building a real community, we can equip more women with the tools, resources, and networks they need to break barriers, amplify their voice, and shape the future of the global music industry."
Last weekend, Tems launched the first series of programming around the initiative. It included masterclasses, workshops, and panel discussions, including one with Tems herself.
OkayAfrica caught up with Tems at the two-day event, and here are some of the takeaways from the interview.
Photo by Deeds Studio
Tems gives welcome remarks at the Leading Vibe Initiative dinner.
Tems always wanted to be in a position to give back
A well-known part of Tems' come-up story was the difficulty she faced in finding producers to work with. At the time, it was a roadblock that forced her to learn how to produce her music, but it also illustrates the subtle disadvantages that women in the industry face. It's what fuels her desire to give back.
Tems is in recording mode
The 30-year-old artist hinted that she is working on a new project and confirmed to OkayAfrica that she is currently in full recording mode. While it's unclear if she is working on a full-length album or singles, the "Love Me Jeje" singer shared that her mind is focused solely on the recording process.
No better time than now
For Tems, launching a mentorship and empowerment program in the middle of her global ascendance felt right. "We are still in the conversation, Afrobeats-wise. I don't want to wait," she tells OkayAfrica. With the African music industry experiencing a partial lull, initiatives like this, established by artists still at the peak of their careers, can further broaden our understanding of and interaction with the works of African female artists.
Thinking about legacy
A key aspect of what makes this initiative remarkable is that Tems is quietly building a legacy that will outlive her work. It's an audacious and timely effort, especially considering that many of Africa's top stars have not focused on building creative infrastructures to nurture and support emerging talent. Her goal is to establish a robust, continental network of women artists who are exposed to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.