Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems has opened up about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her music career, revealing how difficult it was to be taken seriously both as a producer and as a singer.
In a recent interview with CNN, Tems recalled feeling overlooked and unsupported during her early years in the industry.
“It was really hard to get people to take me seriously, not just as a producer, but as a singer, period. I didn’t feel safe, I didn’t feel seen, and I didn’t feel supported for a very long time,” she said.
The Essence hitmaker emphasized that authenticity has always been her guiding principle.
“Authenticity is everything to me. That’s the one thing I cannot compromise on because that’s all I have — who I really am,” she stated.
Tems also revealed that she is using her platform to empower others through her initiative, The Leading Vibe, which she plans to expand beyond Nigeria. The programme aims to support and spotlight women working behind the scenes in the music industry, from producers and managers to audio engineers.
“There are so many talented women who can be producers, managers, audio engineers, but they’re not even visible,” she said. “I want to make them visible and create a space where we can redefine the perspective of women in music.”
Tems confirmed that the initiative will soon launch in Kenya, as part of her mission to create opportunities for women across Africa.
“There are women everywhere who just need to feel seen. All they need is that platform, that chance — and I believe it’s going to change the shape of the music industry for sure,” she added.
At 30, Tems has achieved major milestones in her career, including winning two Grammy Awards. She earned her first in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance with Future and Drake on Wait For U, and her second in 2025 for Best African Music Performance with her hit Love Me JeJe.
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