Tems launches Leading Vibe Initiative for young African women in music

Founded by Tems, the initiative seeks to address the longstanding gender gap in the music industry by offering tools, mentorship, and access to resources for female artists, songwriters and producers.

The inaugural programme, scheduled for 8 and 9 August, is open to women in Nigeria aged 18 to 35. Applicants must be working in music and looking to develop professionally. The application deadline is 13 July and submissions can be made via leadingvibe.com/initiative.

Inspired by her own experience as a self-taught artist in a male-dominated industry, Tems said she created the initiative to provide support she wished had been available when she was starting out.

“My goal with the Leading Vibe Initiative is to help discover and support talented young women who have the potential to redefine the industry,” Tems said. “By providing access, tools and opportunity, we’re creating space for them to find their voices, step into their power and shape the future of music across the continent and globally.”

The gender imbalance in the music industry remains stark. According to global reports, only 22% of artists are women, while just 12.8% of songwriters and 3% of producers are female. In Africa, the numbers are likely even lower due to structural and cultural barriers.

To counter this, the Leading Vibe Initiative will offer intensive training, creative workshops, mentorship sessions, and masterclasses delivered in collaboration with top artists, executives, and partners from around the world. Participants will also have access to advanced music production tools through a partnership with Native Instruments.

With additional rollouts planned across other African countries later this year, the initiative aims to expand to major cities globally in future editions.

The Leading Vibe Initiative positions itself as a movement and a community, a creative sanctuary designed to inspire, equip, and elevate a new generation of women in music.

Find more about the Leading Vibe Initiative here.

Watch the announcement here.