On March 21 in Johannesburg, Tems stepped into a different kind of spotlight.

Not as a performer, but as a builder.

Through her Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), the two time GRAMMY® Award winning artist hosted a full day programme focused on something often missing in the industry, access. This South Africa edition marked the initiative’s first move into Southern Africa, and its third activation on the continent.

What unfolded wasn’t just another music event. It was intentional, focused, and grounded in real industry experience.

A Space Designed for Growth

Held at Artistry in Johannesburg, the programme brought together 20 emerging South African women working across music, as artists, producers, and songwriters.

With support from Hennessy and Native Instruments, the initiative continues to create a bridge between talent and opportunity. Not just through conversation, but through practical engagement.

From the start, the atmosphere felt collaborative rather than instructional. It wasn’t about being spoken at, it was about being brought into the room.

Understanding the Industry Beyond the Music

The day opened with a session focused on strategy, image, and creative ownership, topics that often sit behind the scenes but shape everything about an artist’s career.

Moderated by Lerato Matsoso, the conversation pulled from real industry experience across management, publishing, legal, and PR. It broke down what it actually takes to build something sustainable, from choosing the right team to understanding contracts and protecting your work.

It set the tone early. Creativity matters, but understanding the business is just as important.

Learning From Artists in Real Time

As the sessions continued, the focus shifted into practical learning.

Artists like Moonchild Sanelly, Uncle Waffles, Kamo Mphela, and Zoe Modiga shared insights shaped by their own journeys, what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they knew earlier.

Alongside them, a wider group of facilitators led workshops in songwriting, production, and artistry, giving participants a chance to apply ideas in real time.

The conversations stayed honest. There was no glossing over the challenges, just clear, direct insight into how the industry actually works.

Honest Conversations That Matter

One of the standout moments came during a panel built around personal reflection and advice.

It moved away from technical knowledge and into lived experience, talking about navigating pressure, staying grounded, and defining success on your own terms.

For many in the room, it was the kind of conversation that doesn’t usually happen in public spaces, but makes a lasting impact.

A Personal Close From Tems

The day ended with a smaller, more intimate conversation between Tems and Tsehaitu “Tubi” Retta.

Tems spoke openly about her journey, from figuring things out on her own to finding her place on the global stage, and why creating something like the Leading Vibe Initiative felt necessary.

There was a sense of clarity in how she spoke about it. This wasn’t a side project. It’s something she’s building with intention.

Growing Into Something Bigger

As the Johannesburg edition wrapped, what stood out most was how naturally the initiative is growing.

From Nigeria to Kenya and now South Africa, the Leading Vibe Initiative is gradually connecting women across different parts of the continent, creating a network that goes beyond a single event.

With continued support from partners and access to tools and mentorship, it’s becoming something people can return to, grow within, and build from.

Where It’s Headed

There’s a quiet shift happening in African music right now.

More women are stepping into spaces that were previously hard to access, not just as artists, but as producers, writers, and decision makers.

Initiatives like this are part of that shift. Not loud, not performative, just consistent, structured, and effective.

And in Johannesburg, you could feel it taking shape.

Not as an idea.

But as something real.