Two-time Grammy-winning musician Tems continues to foster an ecosystem that empowers women in the music industry as her Leading Vibe Initiative expands into South Africa.

On February 19, 2026, the award-winning artist shared the announcement that the programme will be making its next stop in Johannesburg, South Africa, on March 1st, 2026. The creative development will empower female music acts, including artists, songwriters, and producers aged 18-35, with workshops, mentorship, and industry connections.

This marks the programme’s first route into Southern Africa, where it would continue its vision in empowering female music acts across the continent. With its mission to create, grow, and lead, Leading Vibe Initiative will continue its impactful editions, launched in Lagos and Nairobi, and now expanding to South Africa.

Launched in August 2025, Leading Vibe Initiative was created to address the lingering underrepresentation of women across the music industry by providing emerging female artists, songwriters, and producers with direct access to industry knowledge and mentorship, hands-on workshops, and creative development.

As a female artist who has built a successful career navigating through the challenges of the music industry, Tems understands this. Hence why she’s flipping the script, helping to guide other female acts one city at a time.

The South Africa edition, taking place on March 21, 2026, will convene women aged 18–35 for curated sessions spanning music production, songwriting, and the business of music, equipping them not just to participate in the industry but to lead within it.

The maiden edition, held in Lagos, gathered 20 emerging Nigerian female talents for two days of hands-on creative development, mentorship sessions, and an intimate launch dinner hosted by Tems herself. The Nairobi edition, which followed in September 2025, expanded the reach to East Africa with masterclasses, collaborative studio sessions, panel talks led by industry voices, and an immersive fireside chat with Tems.

With the South African edition on the way, Tems expands her vision for women in music across Africa and beyond.

“My goal with the Leading Vibe Initiative is to support and amplify talented women who have the potential to redefine the industry,” said Tems. “By providing access, tools, and opportunity, we’re creating space for them to shape the future of music, across Africa and globally.”

Native Instruments will bring its advanced production technology on board, ensuring participants have access to hands-on equipment. While Hennessy is also set to return as an official partner, alongside Native Instruments, reinforcing a shared commitment to amplifying women’s talents and investing in creative ecosystems.

Applications open until February 28th, 2026, at leadingvibe.org.