“It Was Difficult to Find People to Take Me Seriously” — Tems Opens Up as She Launches Platform to Empower Women in Music

Nigerian global music sensation, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has opened up about the struggles she faced early in her career, revealing that one of her biggest challenges was finding people who would take her seriously as a woman in the music industry. The Grammy Award-winning singer made the revelation during the official launch of her newly created platform aimed at supporting and empowering women in music, an initiative she says was born out of her personal journey and the hurdles she had to overcome before attaining stardom. Tems, who has grown from a budding singer in Lagos to an internationally recognized star with collaborations alongside music giants such as Drake, Future, Beyoncé, and Rihanna, recounted how difficult it was to be seen as a serious artist in a male-dominated space. According to her, there was a time when people dismissed her ambitions, questioned her talent, and even doubted her ability to produce music that could compete on a global stage simply because she was a woman. The singer, who is known for her soulful voice and unique sound, explained that these experiences planted a seed in her to create a space where upcoming female artists would not have to face the same barriers she encountered.

Speaking passionately at the launch event, Tems revealed that her new platform will serve as a mentorship, networking, and resource hub for women in the music industry, from aspiring singers to producers, sound engineers, and songwriters. The goal, she said, is to ensure that women not only have a seat at the table but are also equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to excel. “When I started, it was difficult to find people who believed in my vision. Many saw me as just another girl who wanted to sing, and they didn’t think I was serious about making a career out of it. I had to prove myself over and over again, not just through my music but through my dedication and persistence. This is why I’m creating this platform—to make sure that other women don’t have to fight twice as hard just to be heard,” Tems said.

Her words struck a chord with many in attendance, especially upcoming female musicians who have often voiced concerns about the lack of opportunities, resources, and representation for women in the Nigerian and African music scenes. The singer further stressed that talent alone is not enough in an industry where biases and stereotypes still run deep. She recalled moments when she was told to “tone down” her creative ideas to fit into the market or when people suggested she would be more successful if she leaned into a certain image that didn’t align with her authentic self. For Tems, these experiences became defining moments that shaped her resolve to stay true to her artistry and build a brand rooted in authenticity.

The launch event was attended by notable figures in the entertainment industry, media personalities, and a number of female artists who have been inspired by Tems’ journey. The singer used the opportunity to announce upcoming projects under the platform, including talent development programs, workshops on music production and songwriting, as well as funding opportunities for women-led creative projects. She noted that while the music industry is opening up more doors for women globally, Africa still has a long way to go in terms of creating a truly level playing field.

Tems’ career trajectory has been nothing short of inspirational. From her breakout hit “Try Me” to winning a Grammy for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U,” she has consistently shattered boundaries and set new records for African artists on the global stage. Her voice was featured on the soundtrack for Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” and she has been recognized by international platforms such as Billboard, BET, and the American Music Awards. But despite her success, she insists that the journey has been far from easy, especially in the early days when she lacked industry connections and financial resources.

In her speech, Tems urged industry stakeholders—labels, promoters, event organizers, and media outlets—to be more intentional in creating inclusive opportunities for women. She emphasized that representation matters, and seeing more women in leadership, production, and performance roles will inspire the next generation to dream bigger. “This is not just about music; it’s about breaking down the walls that keep women from reaching their full potential. It’s about creating a culture where we lift each other up instead of competing for the few spots that have been made available to us,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.

The singer also opened up about the emotional toll of navigating an industry that often judges women more harshly than men. She recounted how she had to learn to block out negative voices and focus on her craft, a skill she believes is essential for survival in the creative space. According to her, part of the work the platform will do is to provide mental health support and counseling for women in music, acknowledging that burnout, self-doubt, and industry pressure can derail even the most talented artists if left unaddressed.

Tems’ announcement has been met with excitement and praise on social media, with fans and fellow musicians lauding her for using her influence to give back to the community. Many noted that her story resonates with countless women who have faced similar challenges, whether in music or other professional fields. The platform, they say, could be a game-changer for women in African entertainment, offering the kind of support system that has long been missing.

As she wrapped up her speech, Tems made it clear that this is just the beginning. She expressed her hope that the initiative would inspire other established artists to use their platforms to uplift the next generation. “I want young girls out there to know that their dreams are valid, that their voices matter, and that they don’t have to compromise who they are to succeed. The world is ready for them, and we will be here to make sure they’re ready for the world,” she said.

With this new chapter in her career, Tems is not only cementing her status as one of Africa’s most influential voices but also positioning herself as a force for change. By transforming her personal struggles into a mission to empower others, she is setting a powerful example of what it means to rise above obstacles and use success as a tool for impact. In an industry that can often feel like a closed circle, her initiative offers hope, opportunity, and a reminder that the future of music is brighter when every voice has a chance to be heard.

If this platform achieves its vision, the coming years could see a surge in talented women breaking into the mainstream, not just as performers but as producers, executives, and innovators shaping the sound and culture of African music. For Tems, the mission is clear: to make sure no woman in music ever has to hear the words, “We don’t take you seriously,” again. And if her own journey is anything to go by, that mission is already well on its way to becoming a reality.