Tems Takes Leading Vibe Initiative to South Africa
Two-time Grammy Award winning Nigerian artist Tems is expanding her Leading Vibe Initiative to South Africa, bringing a day of mentorship, songwriting, and music production sessions for emerging female artists to Johannesburg on March 21, 2026.
Key Points
- The South Africa edition marks the first time the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI) has entered Southern Africa, following successful launches in Lagos in August 2025 and Nairobi in September 2025
- Applications are open to South Africa-based female artists, songwriters, and producers aged 18 to 35, with the deadline set for February 28, 2026
- Programming includes sessions on songwriting, music production, and the business of music, plus masterclasses and mentorship from industry figures
- Hennessy and Native Instruments return as official partners, with Native Instruments providing advanced music production technology for participants
Context
Tems launched the Leading Vibe Initiative in 2025 in response to the persistent underrepresentation of women across the music industry. Women account for fewer than 25% of artists globally and just 3% of music producers. The initiative draws directly from her own experience as a self-taught artist who had to navigate the industry without structured support, and aims to build a lasting infrastructure for African women in music. The Lagos inaugural edition brought together 20 emerging Nigerian female creatives for an immersive two-day programme, with the Nairobi edition expanding the model to East Africa.
Why It Matters
South Africa is home to one of the continent’s most commercially developed music industries, making it a strategically significant step for LVI’s pan-African ambitions. By positioning the initiative within Southern Africa’s creative ecosystem, Tems is building the kind of continental network that could meaningfully shift the pipeline for women entering professional music. For the 18 to 35 year olds who apply, access to world class tools, industry mentors, and a peer community could represent the difference between a stalled talent and a sustained career.
Source: Africa.com