Singer Tems has said she was not taken seriously when she started her music career.
The Grammy-winning artiste spoke about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her journey during an interview with CNN.
The 30-year-old, born Temilade Openiyi, also identified authenticity as her most important value.
“Authenticity is everything to me. That’s the one thing I cannot compromise on because that’s all I have – who I really am,” she said.
“It was really hard to get people to take me seriously – not just as a producer, but as a singer, period. I didn’t feel safe, and I didn’t feel seen, and I didn’t feel supported for a very long time.”
Now using her success to create the opportunities she once lacked, Tems revealed that her initiative The Leading Vibe is set to expand beyond Nigeria.
The programme, according to her, aims to support and elevate women working behind the scenes in the music industry.
Tems launched The Leading Vibe Initiative this year to empower young African women in roles such as songwriting, production and artist development. The first edition was held in Lagos in August with 20 women selected from across Nigeria for workshops, masterclasses and mentorship sessions.
“There are many women with the same drive and potential, but without access to the right tools or network. That is why I started The Leading Vibe Initiative,” she said during the programme.
The singer added that the initiative will extend to other African countries, with Kenya listed among the next stops.
Tems first gained international fame in 2020 after featuring on Wizkid’s global hit Essence and went on to win a Grammy for Best African Music Performance. She said her goal now is to ensure more women in music are seen, supported and celebrated.
