Tems Speaks Out on Gender Disrespect in Nigerian Music Industry

Grammy-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has voiced concern over the treatment of women in Nigeria’s music industry, revealing that she faced early struggles to be taken seriously because of her gender.

Speaking in a recent interview with BBC, the Love Me Jeje hitmaker said, “People don’t really respect women in the [music] industry.”

Tems explained that her new project, The Leading Vibe Initiative, aims to challenge this culture by providing women with better access to platforms, broader audiences, and greater chances of success.

She encouraged aspiring female artists to clearly define their goals, personal values, and boundaries before stepping into the spotlight:
“What are the things that you wouldn’t do for fame and the things that you would do?”

The singer’s comments echo the experiences of other prominent female Nigerian artists, including Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade, who have also spoken publicly about the gender barriers they have faced in the industry.

Opinion:
Tems’ words shine a necessary light on a reality many prefer to ignore—the Nigerian music industry is still far from being an equal playing field. While talent should be the only currency that matters, gender bias continues to weigh heavily on the opportunities and respect given to women.

Her initiative could be a game-changer, not only for opening doors but for shifting how women see themselves—as leaders, innovators, and powerhouses in music, not just participants.

In the long run, changing the culture will take more than individual success stories; it will require a collective push from the industry to value women for their artistry, not just their image. Tems isn’t just making music—she’s making a statement. And it’s one the industry needs to hear, loud and clear.