Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tems has explained her reason for setting up the Leading Vibe initiative in her home country.
The Leading Vibe initiative aims to support, promote and connect female singers, songwriters and producers.
Not just these professionals but open to women in various fields in the music industry.
In a recent interview with BBC News Africa, Tems said the initiative is to embolden women and change the narrative about women in the music industry.
“It’s to change the way people see women and to change the way women see themselves in music. I promise myself that if I get to a place where I can do more, I will make this initiative for women like me.
“For me it is not just artistes, it’s also producers, it is audio engineers, instrumentalists, guitarists, pianists, drummers, it’s music, managers. It’s people that are interested in managing other women,” she stated.
She continued that beginning her career, she did not have people taking her serious in the music industry.
Tems noted that the initiative is to redefine the perspective about women in the music industry.
“I just find that people don’t really respect women a lot in the industry. It was difficult to find people to take me seriously but it didn’t mean that I stopped, I just kept on going.
“Personally, I’ve always wanted to redefine the perspective that women have of themselves. As a woman myself I’m the best person to start something like this because that’s really the aim of this,” she added.
Tems advised aspiring musicians to remain authentic and resist pressure to change their sound or style.
“So I would say how I did, how I got here is really through authenticity and being audacious. Like believing in yourself so much even when people tell you to change your sound, change your style, you look at them and you say no. If it means me not being signed, I’m okay not being signed. I went to a couple places that didn’t sign me and I was okay with that,” she remarked.
With dozens of global hits and two Grammy Awards to her name, Tems’ rise to international fame has been marked by her distinctive sound, proving that staying authentic can lead to success.
