Global R&B and Afrobeats sensation Tems is adding a new title to her resume: visionary mentor and music industry changemaker. The Grammy-winning Nigerian star has launched a groundbreaking program called The Leading Vibe Initiative, an empowering new platform designed to nurture the next generation of young women in music across Africa, starting with her home base, Lagos.
Billboard confirmed on Wednesday (July 2) that the program will officially kick off in August 2025 with a two-day seminar designed to educate, equip, and inspire 15 to 20 young women who are ready to carve a space for themselves in the music industry. The initiative will run from August 8 to 9 in Lagos and serve as the starting point of what Tems hopes will be a continent-wide movement.
“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 stated. “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.”
Building a New Generation of Industry Voices
The Leading Vibe Initiative isn’t just a seminar; it’s an ecosystem of support. According to the official release, the programme includes:
Meet and greets with top music executives and creatives, workshops on songwriting and music production, studio sessions and hands-on tutorials, panel discussions on music business dynamics and access to production software and other creative tools
With this holistic format, participants won’t just learn about music; they’ll experience it from all angles: business, technical, and creative. The complete list of mentors and guest speakers will be announced soon, but expectations are high given Tems’ remarkable industry pedigree.
Why This Matters
Tems’ journey highlights the significance of initiatives like this. A self-taught singer, songwriter, and producer, she broke through against all odds in a male-dominated industry and less-than-ideal infrastructural conditions. Her music, a heady blend of R&B, alté, soul, and Afrobeats, has redefined genre expectations and made her a global icon, with accolades including:
- Two Grammy Awards (the first Nigerian artist to win two)
- Two Top 10 Billboard Hot 100 hits (including one No. 1)
- Ten Top 10 Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs entries
- Ownership stake in San Diego FC, an MLS franchise
With the Leading Vibe Initiative, she’s now passing on that blueprint but with more structure, mentorship, and access than she ever had.
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Powered by Vision, Backed by Tech
Backing this powerful new initiative is Native Instruments, a renowned music tech company. The company is providing production software and technological support to all participants and has also announced that Tems has joined its elite artist board. She now shares space with legends like Alicia Keys, Noah “40” Shebib, Ludwig Göransson, and Jacob Collier.
By combining artistic mentorship with real-world tools, this partnership ensures that The Leading Vibe Initiative is not just aspirational; it’s actionable.
Looking Beyond Lagos
While the inaugural program begins in Lagos, this is only the beginning. Plans are already in motion to expand the initiative to other African cities, bringing its message and mentorship to more young women across the continent. The long-term vision? To create an intergenerational community of women who aren’t just present in the music industry, they’re leading it.
Conclusion
With The Leading Vibe Initiative, Tems isn’t just breaking records; she’s breaking barriers. By combining her industry experience with a clear vision for a more inclusive future, she’s laying the groundwork for a new wave of women creators, leaders, and innovators in African music. Tems is not only leading the vibe, she’s leading the change.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is The Leading Vibe Initiative?
It’s a two-day mentorship and training program founded by Tems, designed to support and empower young women in the African music industry by providing access to knowledge, tools, and networks.
Q2: Who can participate in the program?
The Lagos pilot will welcome 15 to 20 women interested in music creation, production, and business. Future editions may expand eligibility to include more locations and participants.
Q3: When and where will the program take place?
The first edition of the program will be held in Lagos, Nigeria, on August 8–9, 2025.
Q4: What will participants learn or gain?
They’ll gain hands-on experience in music production and songwriting, business insights from top industry professionals, access to software tools, and a chance to network and collaborate with peers.
Q5: Who is supporting the initiative?
Tems has partnered with Native Instruments, a music tech company that will provide tools and support. She’s also now a member of their artist board.
Q6: Will the initiative expand beyond Lagos?
Yes, according to Tems, the plan is to take the programme to other cities in Africa in the near future.