Two-time Grammy Award-winning singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has launched the in-person edition of her women-focused music programme, the Leading Vibe Initiative, in Lagos.

The two-day event, held on August 8 and 9 at Amah Studios and GAIA Lagos, brought together 20 young women from across Nigeria, including producers, artistes, and songwriters, for intensive workshops, mentorship sessions, and industry networking.

According to the organisers, the Lagos edition marked the start of LVI’s multi-country mission to build a network that empowers African women in music to lead, create, and thrive.

Tems, who hosted the opening dinner, said her personal journey inspired her to set up the platform. “When I started out as an artist, I had to teach myself everything, from production to navigating the music industry… Seeing the first group come together in Lagos, support each other, and grow through the experience, reminded me exactly why this matters,” she told participants.

Day Two featured training in artiste performance, songwriting, and production, with sessions led by industry names such as Sony Music Publishing’s Head of A&R, Wale Davies; RCA Records’ Sarah Lorentzen; producers Saszy Afroshii and Yimeeka; and singer-songwriter Joyce Olong.

Panels explored long-term career strategy, creative autonomy, and visibility for women in music, with contributions from image architect Dunsin Wright, talent manager Muyiwa Awoniyi, rapper Sasha P, and genre-defying producer Bloody Civilian. Native Instruments also introduced custom software to help break technical barriers for women in production.

LVI will continue its pan-African drive in Kenya later this year, with applications for the Kenyan edition now open at leadingvibe.com.