Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, is moving through 2025 with the quiet confidence of an artist who knows she’s making history in real time. Over the past month, she has been steadily expanding her footprint — not only as a performer but as a cultural architect. From launching the first in-person edition of her women-focused Leading Vibe Initiative in Lagos to making history as the first African artist to perform at the FIFA Club World Cup halftime show, Tems is weaving music, business, and influence into one seamless narrative.
The Leading Vibe Lands in Lagos
On August 8 and 9, the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI) touched down in Lagos for its debut physical edition, transforming Amah Studios and GAIA Lagos into hubs of creativity, mentorship, and collaboration. Twenty emerging Nigerian women in music — from producers and songwriters to performing artists — were handpicked to take part in an immersive two-day journey designed to sharpen their craft and expand their network.
Powered by Hennessy and Native Instruments, the programme opened with an intimate welcome dinner hosted by Tems herself. Between warm laughter and shared meals, she reflected on her path — a self-taught producer navigating the industry without a playbook, learning every step through grit and persistence.
“There are many women with the same drive and potential, but without access to the right tools or network. That is why I started The Leading Vibe Initiative,” she told the room, her words both a challenge and an invitation.
The second day was all about action. Workshops on performance, songwriting, and production were led by some of the industry’s sharpest minds — Wale Davies (Sony Music Publishing), Sarah Lorentzen (RCA Records), Saszy Afroshii, Yimeeka, and Joyce Olong. Panel sessions dove into the art of image building, creative autonomy, and career strategy, with candid insights from Dunsin Wright, Muyiwa Awoniyi, Sasha P, and Bloody Civilian.
In a defining moment, Native Instruments unveiled a custom production software aimed at lowering technical barriers for women — a tangible reminder that LVI isn’t just a conversation, it’s a catalyst.
Building a Sisterhood of Sound Across Africa— Next Stop: Kenya
For Tems, Lagos was just the opening chapter. The Leading Vibe Initiative will now head to Kenya later this year, offering aspiring African women artists, songwriters, and producers aged 18–35 a two-day immersion in skills training, industry access, and creative empowerment.
What Is the Leading Vibe Initiative?
The Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI) is Tems’s bold new movement—rooted in her self-taught journey—to spotlight, connect, and elevate a new generation of African women in music. More than a programme, it’s a pan-African wave built for women by women.
Announced by Tems in early July 2025 via Instagram and leading media outlets, LVI is a breakthrough platform designed to dismantle barriers for women in music—whether as artists, songwriters, producers, or executives.
“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 who shows people that there is hope … it’s a movement, a network, a wave—built for women, by women, from Africa to the world,” Tems wrote in her announcement
LVI’s mission is crystal clear: to close the gender gap in music, empowering young talents—especially women aged 18–35—to find their voice, refine their craft, and unlock industry pathways
Through immersive masterclasses, mentorship, creative workshops, panel discussions, and access to cutting-edge tools (like custom software from Native Instruments), LVI offers hands-on training and essential industry connections.
The Vibe Keeps Growing
Tems’ momentum doesn’t end when the lights dim. She recently made waves as a football club owner, stepping confidently into sports entrepreneurship. In the luxury space, she joined the elite roster of Omega brand ambassadors, aligning her artistry with the precision and prestige of Swiss watchmaking. These moves, far from side notes, are pieces of a larger strategy — a career that’s as multifaceted as the woman behind it.
Tems is no longer just a voice in the global music conversation — she is shaping its direction. She’s mentoring the next generation, breaking records on the world’s biggest stages, and building empires that stretch far beyond the studio.
If her recent moves are any indication, the leading vibe she’s created isn’t slowing down. It’s expanding — one city, one stage, and one groundbreaking moment at a time.
If you’re a woman artist, songwriter, or producer ready to grow, create, and lead in music, this space is for you. Registration is now open at leadingvibe.com until August 30, with Kenya set as the next stop — paving the way for the next wave of trailblazers. Apply now athttps://www.leadingvibe.com/
