Tems Launches Leading Vibe Initiative to Empower Young Women in Music

Grammy award-winning artist Tems, known by her real name Temilade Openiyi, has launched the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), a program designed to support and empower young women creators in the music industry. The initiative aims to provide access and opportunities for young Nigerian women to thrive as creators, producers, engineers, and writers in the music sector.

In an announcement made on Wednesday, the Lagos-based singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur explained that the training program will offer participants the chance to refine their skills, gain industry knowledge, and build a supportive community. Tems emphasized that the program is intended for those who are talented and seeking a platform to express themselves and achieve their dreams.

“There are thousands of young women, just like me, with a voice, a gift, and a desire to be heard. I want to be someone that shows people that there’s hope because I know that the most heartbreaking thing is to see a light dimmed and a fire never ignited,” she noted.

Tems highlighted that the project is tailored for individuals who dare to be different and are waiting for the right space to express themselves and become the best versions of themselves. The ones who are not afraid to lead.

The program, scheduled to take place between August 8 and 9, will be a two-day seminar for 15 to 20 women in Lagos. The session will include hands-on training, studio sessions, panel discussions, access to world-class tools, and connections to established industry executives and experts. While this is the inaugural edition, the program is planned to expand beyond Lagos to other African cities in the future.

The Leading Vibe Initiative is a groundbreaking platform founded by Tems to support, connect, and amplify young women in music across Africa. Stemming from Tems’ journey as a self-taught artist, the initiative offers women the tools, resources, and connections to propel their music and creative journeys. With a mission to close the gender gap in the music industry, the Leading Vibe Initiative builds pathways for women to rise.

Over time, the music industry exhibits a significant gender gap, with women underrepresented as artists, songwriters, producers, and in various behind-the-scenes roles. Tems is creating a movement for emerging women to change the dynamics through the Leading Vibe Initiative.

“It’s a movement. It’s a network. It’s a wave built for women by women, from the continent to the world. Now is the time to rise, the time to be seen, the time to be heard, the time to believe, and the time to bet on yourself,” Tems noted.

The application process for the program is currently open. The training is only open to women artists, songwriters, and producers based in Nigeria between the ages of 18 and 35. Application closes by July 13. Selections will be based on creative talent and skill, passion and purpose, commitment to growth, and the potential to uplift and inspire other women in music. The Leading Vibe Initiative kicks off physically in Lagos, Nigeria, between August 8 and 9.

To apply for the program, applicants will be required to provide important details such as biodata and a musical career portfolio. Key requirements include a link to social media handles, a brief story on who the applicant is and their musical biography, challenges faced or currently navigating in their music journey, skills, tools, and resources helpful in the present stage of their career, a link to a video introducing themselves, and a link to a work sample. Ensure you get the above ready for a swift application process and proofread your submission.