Tems: “Women Are Still Not Respected in the Music Industry”
Nigerian global superstar Tems recently spoke candidly about a persistent and troubling issue: the lack of respect for women in the music industry. In a conversation with the BBC, she drew attention to the deep-seated challenges female artists face, struggles that remain largely invisible behind the glamour of fame.
Despite the obstacles, Tems has channeled her position into meaningful action. She’s the driving force behind The Leading Vibe Initiative, a platform she founded to uplift and amplify the work of female artists, broadening their visibility and empowering them to carve out their own legacy.
In her interview, Tems also imparted powerful guidance for aspiring women in music, urging them to define clear boundaries, stand firm in their self-worth, and navigate the industry with confidence.
Her sentiment echoes the experiences of many other female artists. Forbes and TeenVogue have noted that women, despite their growing influence, continue to be systematically sidelined in Afrobeats and beyond, underrepresented in label rosters and leadership roles, and often overlooked for key opportunities.
Globally, the music business endures a “boys’ club” culture, as highlighted by a recent Westminster report, which documented persistent gender bias, harassment, and unequal access to power.