Tems and the Leading Vibe: Rewriting the Gender Story in African Music

African music is experiencing one of its most defining shifts, and at the center of it is Tems. With her Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), she’s creating space for women to take on leadership roles across the industry — not just as performers, but as producers, executives, and innovators.

The rise of Afrobeats has often been framed as a story of expansion, with African artists moving from local recognition to global dominance. Yet, within this success story lies an uncomfortable truth: women have not always been given equal footing in shaping the culture’s direction. The spotlight has too often been narrow, favoring male acts while the structures behind the scenes remained resistant to change.

The Leading Vibe Initiative seeks to challenge that imbalance. Through mentorship, training, and development opportunities, it builds pathways for women to gain influence in areas where their presence has long been overlooked. It’s not just about being seen on stage — it’s about being heard in boardrooms, studios, and strategy meetings where decisions about the future of African music are made.

For years, women in the industry have carried immense talent but faced barriers ranging from limited resources to systemic bias. Many have thrived in spite of these challenges, but Tems’ vision is to make thriving the norm, not the exception. By creating structured support, LVI provides a framework where women are positioned not as outliers but as central to the growth of African music.

Tems herself embodies this dual role of artist and architect. Globally celebrated for her artistry, she is equally committed to building systems that ensure other women can rise without the same obstacles. LVI reflects her belief that the culture’s evolution depends on inclusivity — that the “vibe” she speaks of is not complete unless everyone has a voice in shaping it.

Her vision is clear: a future where women don’t have to fight for visibility in Afrobeats, but are recognized as the architects of its growth. And in many ways, the Leading Vibe Initiative is a declaration — that the next phase of African music will not only sound different, it will also look and feel more equal.