Nigerian global R and B star Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has taken a significant step in her mission to uplift women across creative industries with the official launch of the Leading Vibe Initiative. The initiative, which aims to build a nurturing and empowering platform for emerging women creatives, celebrated the selection of its first-ever cohort this week.
Announcing the news via her official Twitter handle, Tems expressed her excitement and admiration for the selected participants.
“Congratulations to the women selected for our first ever Leading Vibe Initiative. We cannot wait to grow, build, and create with you,” she wrote.
Tems, who has consistently used her platform to advocate for female empowerment, highlighted the immense talent that applied to the program and acknowledged the difficulty in narrowing down the selection.
“We wanted all of you, but there were limited spots. To everyone who applied, your passion was deeply felt. Keep creating. Keep showing up. We see you,” she added.
The Leading Vibe Initiative is designed to support women in music, visual arts, film, fashion, and other creative fields. Through mentorship sessions, collaborative workshops, and direct access to industry professionals, the initiative promises to provide the tools and exposure needed to help participants grow and thrive in their respective disciplines. The project reflects Tems’ broader commitment to creating safe, inspiring spaces for women to lead, innovate, and break barriers in industries often dominated by men.
Tems’ announcement was met with widespread praise across social media platforms, with fans and creatives alike commending her for investing in the next generation of talent. Many users described the initiative as a game changer, especially in an era where access to mentorship and resources remains a challenge for women in the creative sector.
However, amid the flurry of congratulatory messages and praise, one unexpected reply caught the attention of the internet. A Twitter user identified simply as Big Sam injected a moment of humor into the discourse with a bold and amusing comment.
“Hey Tems, hope you did not forget our date we planned this weekend?” he wrote.
The playful tweet quickly went viral, drawing thousands of likes and retweets. While Tems has yet to respond publicly to the comment, the lighthearted interruption brought smiles to many faces, offering a brief comic relief during an otherwise serious and inspiring moment. Social media users responded with laughter and amusement, with some jokingly asking if Big Sam was part of the selected cohort or just shooting his shot.
Despite the viral side note, the heart of the announcement remained the focus: a sincere and strategic move by Tems to create lasting impact in the creative community. As one of Nigeria’s most influential musical exports, Tems continues to demonstrate that her vision extends far beyond the stage. From collaborating with global icons like Beyoncé, Wizkid, and Drake, to now launching her own development program for women, Tems is solidifying her legacy not just as a musical powerhouse, but as a cultural architect and advocate.
Industry insiders have applauded the move, calling the Leading Vibe Initiative a welcome addition to the ecosystem of creative support in Africa. Several commentators have emphasized the importance of such programs in leveling the playing field and ensuring that female voices are not only heard but empowered to lead.
As anticipation builds around what the selected women will create under the initiative, Tems’ message serves as a reminder to all aspiring creatives especially women that their voices matter and that their contributions are valued.
The Leading Vibe Initiative will officially commence its programming later this year, with further details expected to be released on Tems’ official platforms in the coming weeks.
For those who applied but were not selected, Tems offered words of encouragement that resonated deeply with her audience.
“Keep creating. Keep showing up. We see you.”