Nigerian music sensation Tems has shed more light on what fans can expect from her ongoing collaboration with Hennessy, revealing that the partnership will play a key role in expanding her Leading Vibes Initiative (LVI) — a mentorship and empowerment programme for emerging artists across Africa.
Speaking during an exclusive interview with Kalondu Musyimi, Tems said the collaboration is focused on creating more workshops and interactive spaces where artists can learn, connect, and grow together.
“Definitely more of this type of workshop, bringing people together,” Tems said. “Hennessy has been such a huge support. They had my vision and wanted to be part of it, and for that, I’m really grateful. I think more of that because this is going everywhere, and we’re doing everything, and we’re trying to do as much as possible. The future is looking bright.”
Building a Creative Community Through Collaboration
Tems’ partnership with Hennessy reflects a growing trend among global brands aligning with African artists to champion creativity and cultural exchange.
For Tems, it’s not just about sponsorship, but about building meaningful platforms that allow young creatives to share ideas and gain access to industry opportunities.
Her workshops under the LVI Initiative aim to create safe and inclusive spaces for artists — particularly women to learn about the business side of music, performance, branding, and mental well-being.
From Lagos to the World: Lessons That Shaped LVI
Tems also reflected on how her journey to global recognition has influenced the way she approaches initiatives like LVI.
Having broken international barriers with chart-topping hits like Essence and Free Mind, Tems said her rise came with lessons that deeply informed her mission to guide others.
“Honestly, using my journey was understanding the things I had to face the things that made me uncomfortable, the things that made me surprised or shocked,” she explained. “The things I had to switch up for, to prepare myself for things like stage performances I think that is actually the driving force for LVI.”
Shaping the Future for African Creatives
Tems’ global success has made her a symbol of artistic authenticity and empowerment. Through LVI, she hopes to ensure that upcoming musicians don’t have to face the same uncertainties she did when starting out.
The initiative, which started in Lagos, Nigeria, has now expanded to Kenya and the wider East African region with support from partners like Hennessy helping it reach more aspiring artists.
As Tems continues to elevate her artistry on the world stage, her passion for nurturing the next generation of African creatives remains unwavering proof that her success is as much about lifting others as it is about making history herself.
by judy mutinda
