When Tems said she was the “Leading Vibe,” she meant it.
And now, she’s creating space for others to lead too.
The Grammy-winning artist just launched the Leading Vibe Initiative, created to support and uplift African women in music, from producers to songwriters to rising vocalists. For Tems, who taught herself how to make music without a clear path or guide, this is personal. She’s been that girl with a voice and a vision, but no blueprint. And now that she’s paved her way, she’s holding the door open for others to walk through.
“I want to be someone that shows people that there’s hope,” Tems shared. “Because the most heartbreaking thing is to see a light dimmed and a fire never ignited.”
Starting this August in Lagos and moving across the continent, the Leading Vibe Initiative will provide mentorship, tools, and a network of support for African women who are breaking barriers and building boldly. The deadline to apply is July 13, and this isn’t just another music program; it’s a movement.
Because, as successful as the music industry may seem, women — especially African women — still face a ceiling. There’s brilliance, but no platform. Talent, but little support. And Tems is using her platform to change that narrative.
This is for the women who are often overlooked in boardrooms and studio sessions. The ones with something to say, something to sing, something to shift. The ones who are not afraid to lead.
“While the music industry is great, there hasn’t really been a space for women. This is a space for the ones who believe — and have a desire to be seen and heard.”
The Leading Vibe Initiative goes beyond sound; it’s shaping the future of women in music. Built by women, for women, from the continent to the world.
- Leading isn’t just about being the loudest in the room. Sometimes, it’s about being the one who dares to make space for others.
