Tems Launches ‘Leading Vibe Initiative’ to Empower Young African Women in Music

Tems has launched the Leading Vibe Initiative to support and empower young African women in music through mentorship, training, and industry access, beginning this August in Lagos.

Nigerian music sensation and two-time GRAMMY Award-winner Tems has officially launched the Leading Vibe Initiative, a transformative new platform designed to support and empower young women pursuing careers in music across Africa, with ambitions for eventual global expansion.

Set to debut this August in Lagos, Nigeria, the initiative will provide aspiring female artists, songwriters, and music producers with vital resources, mentorship, and access to key industry networks. The programme aims to tackle longstanding gender disparities within the music industry, where women remain significantly underrepresented, particularly in roles such as songwriting and production.

Tems, who rose to global acclaim as a self-taught artist and producer, said the Leading Vibe Initiative is rooted in her own experiences of navigating the music landscape without formal training or institutional support. "I created this platform because I know what it feels like to be overlooked, unheard, and underestimated," she said. "The goal is to create space and opportunities for women who have the talent but lack access."

The first round of applications is now open to Nigerian women between the ages of 18 and 35. Selected participants will benefit from intensive, hands-on workshops led by top-tier professionals from the global music scene, alongside one-on-one mentorship designed to guide their creative development and industry navigation.

Tems and her team are partnering with leading international producers, songwriters, and engineers to deliver a curriculum that blends technical training with career-building strategies. In addition to musical expertise, the programme will offer guidance on branding, publishing rights, and mental wellness within the high-pressure creative industry.

The Leading Vibe Initiative has already generated widespread interest within Nigeria’s cultural scene and is expected to expand its reach to other African countries in the coming years. By championing a new generation of female creators, the project seeks to reshape the future of African music — and ensure that women are not only heard but also empowered to lead.

Further details, including application deadlines and programme partners, are available on the initiative’s official website and social media channels.