Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has unveiled a groundbreaking mentorship programme aimed at transforming opportunities for women in Africa’s music industry. The initiative, called the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), aims to address systemic barriers faced by female creatives while equipping them with the skills, networks, and confidence necessary to thrive.
Launched in Lagos in August, the LVI pilot programme gathered 20 carefully selected women, including producers, songwriters, vocalists, and managers, for a week-long series of workshops. Participants received hands-on training in music production, rights management, branding, and mental health awareness.
The workshops were facilitated by industry leaders from Sony Music, Universal Music, and African music executives, alongside celebrated women in the field such as Sasha P and rising star Bloody Civilian. Tems herself played an active role, offering both mentorship and personal insight into her journey as one of Africa’s most successful global exports.
Tems emphasised that the programme is not just about technical skills but about redefining women’s roles in an industry long criticised for sexism, exploitation, and marginalisation.
“For too long, women have been placed in boxes, seen only as voices, not as decision-makers,” Tems said at the launch. “The Leading Vibe Initiative is about changing that narrative, so the next generation of women can own their art, their power, and their future.”
Her comments echo broader industry concerns. Studies show that women make up a small fraction of producers and executives in African music, despite being dominant performers and trendsetters.
Following the success of the Lagos programme, LVI plans to roll out similar mentorship camps in Nairobi, Johannesburg, and Accra over the next year. Tems also hinted at forging partnerships with global platforms like Spotify and Apple Music to provide exposure and funding opportunities for participants.
The vision is to create a pan-African network of female creatives, enabling collaboration across borders and amplifying women’s influence not only on stage but also in boardrooms and production houses.
Industry observers are hailing LVI as a watershed moment for African entertainment. Critics argue that initiatives like this could help dismantle the entrenched “boys’ club” culture of the industry while nurturing a generation of women equipped to compete globally.
International media, including The Guardian, have spotlighted the programme as part of a growing push for gender equity in music worldwide.
Tems’ leadership is being celebrated as a model for other African stars to use their platforms for systemic change. Analysts predict that if LVI sustains momentum, it could inspire similar programmes in film, fashion, and other cultural industries.
The initiative also positions Tems not just as a global superstar but as a cultural architect shaping the future of African music.
Author: Kangmwa Gofwen
Lagos Bureau Chief, Nigeria
gofwenjoy@gmail.com
