The pulse of African music keeps getting stronger, and women are at the heart of that rhythm. From the streets of Lagos to the studios of Nairobi, and now touching down in Johannesburg, Tems is proving she’s not just making waves—she’s building the entire ocean for the women coming up behind her. On February 19, 2026, the two-time GRAMMY-winning Nigerian artist announced the South Africa edition of her Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), set for March 21, 2026. This marks the program’s first step into Southern Africa, continuing a mission that’s already sparked real change across the continent.
Launched in August 2025 amid the buzz of Lagos’ creative energy, LVI was created to tackle head-on the stubborn underrepresentation of women in music—artists, songwriters, producers, the whole ecosystem. It’s not just talk; it’s actionable support: mentorship, hands-on workshops, industry connections, and that vital sense of belonging that can make or break a career. Tems, who built her own path as a self-taught force, knows the barriers too well and is flipping the script.
The inaugural Lagos edition gathered 20 emerging Nigerian talents for two intense days of creative development, mentorship sessions, and an intimate launch dinner hosted by Tems herself. It was electric. Then came Nairobi in September 2025, expanding the reach to East Africa with masterclasses, collaborative studio work, panel talks led by industry voices, and a memorable fireside chat where Tems opened up about her journey and LVI’s bigger vision for women in music across Africa and beyond.
“My goal with the Leading Vibe Initiative is to help support and amplify talented women who have the potential to redefine the industry,” Tems said in the announcement. “By providing access, tools, and opportunity, 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.”
Now Johannesburg is next. This edition targets South Africa-based female artists, songwriters, and producers aged 18-35 ready to grow creatively and professionally. The lineup includes focused sessions on songwriting, music production, and the business side of the game, plus mentorship, networking, creative workshops, and masterclasses. Native Instruments is bringing advanced production tech to the table, ensuring participants get hands-on with top-tier tools. Featured speakers and facilitators are still under wraps but will drop closer to the date; expect heavy hitters based on what’s come before.
Hennessy returns as an official partner, joining Native Instruments to fuel the resources and platforms needed to lift women’s voices louder. The brand’s long history of backing boundary-pushers aligns perfectly here. “We’re honored to support the Leading Vibe Initiative and to continue empowering African communities and cultures,” said Vincent Montalescot, Hennessy’s Global Chief Marketing Officer. “Tems’ vision, talent, and purpose align deeply with Hennessy’s legacy of championing those who push boundaries and redefine the world around them.”
LVI isn’t a one-off event series—it’s building toward something global. Rooted in Tems’ own story of grit and self-belief, it’s a platform offering training, industry access, and community while closing the gender gap in music, one connection at a time. It’s a movement, a network, a wave built by women for women, starting on the continent and rippling outward.
Applications are open today and close February 28, 2026. If this sounds like your moment, click HERE to apply now.
For anyone tuned into African music’s unstoppable rise, especially the women driving it, this is the kind of initiative that could launch the next Tems, the next voice that shifts the culture. Stay locked in via @leadingvibeinitiative on IG and X (formerly Twitter). Dive deeper at leadingvibe.org.
In a year where African women continue to dominate conversations in music, LVI South Africa feels like the perfect next chapter. Who’s stepping up? The vibe is leading, now it’s time to follow.
