In a seismic and deeply personal intervention, Nigerian Grammy-winning superstar Tems has launched a blistering critique against the entrenched sexism and systemic misogyny plaguing the African music industry. The acclaimed singer and producer has pulled no punches, detailing the immense barriers and prejudices women face in a male-dominated field.
Her powerful testimony sheds light on a culture where female artists are routinely underestimated, exploited, and subjected to a different, harsher set of rules than their male counterparts. Tems speaks from experience, describing the constant battle to be taken seriously as a producer and creative force, not just a vocalist.
The Price of Success in a Man's World
Tems reveals that for women, success often comes with a barrage of misogynistic abuse and invasive scrutiny. She highlights the toxic online environment where female artists are frequently targeted with body-shaming, hateful comments, and threats, a burden rarely shouldered by male stars to the same vicious extent.
"The hate comes from everywhere," she states, pointing to a pervasive culture that seeks to diminish women's achievements and control their narratives.
A Call for Collective Action and Change
Moving beyond mere criticism, Tems's words serve as a clarion call for industry-wide reform. She emphasises the urgent need for:
- Greater respect for female creativity and technical skill behind the boards.
- Protection from online abuse and misogynistic trolling.
- Solidarity among women in the industry to challenge the status quo.
- Accountability for labels, promoters, and media who perpetuate double standards.
Her stance is not one of complaint, but a demand for the respect, safety, and equality that women in African music fundamentally deserve. This brave condemnation from one of the continent's most prominent voices is poised to ignite a long-overdue conversation, challenging the industry to finally confront its biases and build a more equitable future for all artists.
