Tems’ Leading Vibe Initiative Concludes Inaugural Edition in Lagos

After an unforgettable launch in Lagos, Nigeria, the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), founded by two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist Tems, successfully concluded the first edition of its in-person programming in Lagos on August 8–9, 2025.

Backed by global partners Hennessy and Native Instruments, the two-day activation brought together 20 young women in music from across Nigeria, including producers, artists, and songwriters for a hands-on, high-impact experience, focused on creative collaboration, industry mentorship, and professional development.

Held across Amah Studios and GAIA Lagos, the Lagos edition marked a powerful beginning for LVI’s mission to build a multi-country network that empowers African women in music to lead, create, and thrive.

• Day One  – August 8

The program opened with an intimate welcome dinner hosted by Tems, bringing together the 20 selected participants for the first time. In a personal address, Tems spoke candidly about the experiences that led her to create the Leading Vibe Initiative, and why investing in women in music is both urgent and necessary.

“When I started out as an artist, I had to teach myself everything, from production to navigating the music industry. Today, I’m fortunate to have a team that shares my vision, but I know my story isn’t unique. 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. Seeing the first group come together in Lagos, support each other, and grow through the experience, reminded me exactly why this matters. We’re building pathways for women to lead, thrive, and take up space across the global music industry.” – Tems

• Day Two – August 9

The second day featured a full slate of workshops, panels, and breakout sessions across three core tracks: artist performance, songwriting, and music production.

The day opened with “The Power Behind the Vision”, a conversation on long-term strategy, image, and team building. Moderated by Lola Ige (Head of Marketing, Sony Music West Africa), the panel featured DunsinWright (acclaimed image architect) and Muyiwa Awoniyi (talent manager to Grammy-winning artists) and BukkyAkomolafe (Flytime Festival).

Participants then rotated through focused masterclasses led by Wale Davies (Head of A&R at Sony Music Publishing), Sarah Lorentzen (Senior Director of A&R, RCA Records), Saszy Afroshii (leading Nigerian music producer), Yimeeka (multidisciplinary sound designer and artist), and Joyce Olong (acclaimed singer-songwriter and vocal coach).

Native Instruments also delivered a dedicated session introducing participants to a custom demo software Izotope created for the program, reinforcing its commitment to breaking down technical barriers for women in music.

The final panel, “If I Could Tell Her”, featured Bloody Civilian (genre-defying artist-producer), Sasha P (pioneering rapper and founder of Purple Fire Entertainment), and Saszy (music producer) in conversation with Chinasa Anukam, host of Is This Seat Taken?. The discussion explored creative autonomy, authenticity, and visibility as women in music.

The day concluded with a fireside chat between the initiative’s founder, Tems, and initiative advisor Tsehaitu “Tubi” Retta, followed by a closing reception hosted by lead sponsor Hennessy, celebrating a successful close to the inaugural Lagos edition.

The Leading Vibe Initiative heads to Kenya for the next leg of its multi-country programming. With each stop, Tems’ continues her mission to support, and amplify the next generation of women in music across Africa.

Applications for the Kenya edition are now open at: leadingvibe.com