Tems launches music training for emerging female artistes; see key application details here

Grammy award-winning artist, Temilade Openiyi, also known as Tems, has launched the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), a program aimed at supporting young women creators in music to grow, connect, and lead. The initiative will look to provide access for young Nigerian women to thrive and become women creators, producers, engineers, and writers in the music industry.

In an announcement made on Wednesday, the Lagos-based singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur explained that the training will provide opportunities for participants to hone their craft, sharpen industry knowledge, and build community. Tems stressed that the program is for those who are gifted and looking for the space to be heard, and an avenue to make their dream come true.

“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.

While highlighting the significance and target group of the training, Tems said that the project is structured for “the ones who dare to be different and who are just waiting for that one space that they can express and be the best versions of themselves. The ones who are not afraid to lead.”

The program, which will be held between August 8 and 9, will be a two-day seminar for between 15 and 20 women in Lagos. The session is designed to provide aspiring women artists, songwriters, and producers with hands-on training, studio sessions, panel discussions, access to world-class tools, and connections to established industry executives and experts.

While this edition is the first of its kind, the program is intended to expand beyond Lagos to other African cities.

Also Read: Social media reacts as Tems wins Best African Music Performance award at Grammy.

What Tems seeks to achieve 

The Leading Vibe Initiative is a groundbreaking platform founded by the Nigerian artist 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. While a 2020 study found that only 30% of the artists on the Billboard Hot 100-year-end chart were women, a 2024 Billboard study shows improvement with a 12-year high of 35% female artists on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

As women get low recognition in key music industry roles such as engineers, producers, DJs, and creators, 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.

Application and criteria 

The application process is currently open for the program.

• 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.

Key things to know before applying 

To apply for the program, click here. 

During the application process, applicants will be required to provide important details such as biodata and a musical career portfolio. Below are some key requirements you will need to provide.

• Link to your Social Media handles
• A brief story on who you are and your musical biography.
• Challenges you’ve faced or are currently navigating in your music journey.
• Skills, tools, and resources are helpful in the present stage of your career.
• A link to a video introducing yourself.
• Link to work sample.

Ensure you get the above ready for a swift application process and proofread your submission.