Award-winning Nigerian singer and producer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has unveiled a new music empowerment platform targeted at women in Africa’s music industry.

Named the Leading Vibe Initiative, the programme is set to kick off in Lagos on August 8 and 9, with applications now open to female artistes, producers and songwriters in Nigeria between ages 18 and 35. The deadline for application is July 13.

Tems, a two-time Grammy winner, said the project was inspired by her struggles as a self-taught female artiste navigating an industry dominated by men, with little support or access to opportunities.

“My goal with the Leading Vibe Initiative is to help discover and support talented young women who have the potential to redefine the industry,” she said in a statement sent to Guardian Life on Wednesday.

The initiative, which she described as “a movement and a sanctuary,” will provide access to mentorship, hands-on workshops, music production equipment, and industry opportunities. It also promises collaborations with top artistes and global industry executives.

Statistics cited in the release show that women make up only 22 per cent of artistes worldwide, with female songwriters and producers accounting for just 12.8 and 3 per cent, respectively.

Tems said the programme was created to address this imbalance, offering women the tools and network needed to thrive in performance, production, songwriting and music business.

“We’re creating space for them to find their voices, step into their power and shape the future of music across the continent and globally,” she added.

The Lagos launch will serve as the pilot edition, with future rollouts planned for other African cities and global locations later this year.

Interested participants can apply via leadingvibe.com/initiative, while updates will be shared on @leadingvibeinitiative and @temsbaby via Instagram.