Award-winning Nigerian singer and producer

Award-winning Nigerian singer and producer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has officially launched the Leading Vibe Initiative, a groundbreaking music empowerment platform aimed at uplifting young women in Africa’s music industry. This initiative was inspired by Tems’ personal journey as a self-taught female artist navigating a male-dominated industry with limited support and opportunities.

The Leading Vibe Initiative seeks to discover, support, and elevate female artists, producers, and songwriters across Africa by providing them access to mentorship, hands-on workshops, music production equipment, and invaluable industry connections. Tems describes the initiative as “a movement and a sanctuary” dedicated to helping women find their voices, step into their power, and shape the future of music on the continent and globally.

The pilot edition of the program took place on August 8 and 9, 2025, in Lagos, Tems' hometown, with the application deadline ending July 13. The program targeted female creatives aged 18 to 35 based in Nigeria. Participants benefited from immersive experiences including masterclasses and networking opportunities with top industry executives and artists.

Statistically, women represent only 22% of artists globally, with even fewer songwriters and producers, making this initiative vital in closing the gender gap. Tems aims to create a platform where women can thrive in all aspects of the music business—from performance and production to songwriting and entrepreneurship.

The launch event, powered by key partners like Native Instruments and Hennessy, sets off what is expected to be a continent-wide movement, with plans to expand the initiative to other African cities later in the year.

Tems said about the initiative, “There are thousands of young women just like me with a voice, a gift, and a desire to be heard. I want to show people there is hope because the most heartbreaking thing is to see a light dimmed and a fire never ignited.”