Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Tems has successfully concluded the Kenyan edition of her groundbreaking women-centered mentorship program, the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI).
Held on September 29, 2025, at The Social House in Nairobi, the event marked the second installment of the initiative following its launch in Lagos earlier this year. With her sights set on a pan-African impact, Tems is building a movement that goes far beyond music performance, one that prioritizes mentorship, empowerment, and systemic change for African women in music.
The Nairobi edition brought together 20 emerging female creatives from across Kenya, including artists, producers, songwriters, and aspiring engineers. Over the course of a dynamic day, participants engaged in masterclasses, panels, collaborative sessions, and one-on-one mentorship. The event aimed to provide not just inspiration, but practical tools and access to a professional network that many women in the industry still struggle to find.
Tems, known for her powerful vocals and chart-topping hits, was present throughout the session and participated in a candid fireside chat, where she spoke about her journey, her challenges, and the vision behind LVI. She emphasized that her goal is to create the kind of support system she wished existed when she started. “The world needs to hear these girls, and I’m not going to gatekeep them,” she said passionately. “Seeing the fire and passion in these women gives me hope. This is just the beginning.”
The program featured industry veterans and mentors who shared their expertise in branding, production, songwriting, and music business strategy. In one of the day’s most impactful moments, participants joined collaborative studio-style workshops, combining their skills in real time to create and critique new work. The energy in the room reflected the excitement of discovery, not only of new talent but also of new possibilities.
The success of the Kenyan edition confirmed what Tems had envisioned when she launched the initiative: that there is an untapped wealth of talent among African women, and with the right platform, they can thrive. But LVI is about more than just discovery. It challenges the traditional gender dynamics within the music industry by actively promoting women in roles beyond the microphone, including as producers, engineers, and decision-makers.
By creating intentional space for women to access professional tools, mentorship, and industry knowledge, Tems is not just amplifying voices, she is reshaping the infrastructure. And while the Kenyan edition has now wrapped, the initiative is already looking ahead. Tems has hinted at expansion into more African countries in 2026, signaling her commitment to building a continent-wide network of empowered female creatives.
The challenges ahead are real. Turning a one-day event into long-term career development will require sustained support, follow-up programs, funding, and continued industry engagement. Yet, the foundation being laid is promising. With each edition, LVI is not only identifying rising stars but also sparking wider conversations about equity, opportunity, and leadership in African music.
Tems’s journey from a self-made artist to a globally recognized figure has already inspired millions. But through the Leading Vibe Initiative, she is making it clear that her legacy will be measured not only in awards and hits, but in how many doors she opened for others. As the Kenyan edition fades into memory, its impact is only just beginning. The vibe, it seems, is only growing stronger.
