Exclusive Interview: Tsehaitu “Tubi” Retta
The Leading Vibe Initiative, in partnership with Hennessy, successfully hosted an exclusive Johannesburg edition of its global movement empowering women […]
Black News 
The Leading Vibe Initiative, in partnership with Hennessy, successfully hosted an exclusive Johannesburg edition of its global movement empowering women in music.
The intimate and carefully curated experience brought together rising female talent, industry executives, and creative leaders for an afternoon filled with meaningful conversations, collaboration, and inspiration. The initiative is dedicated to creating access, opportunity, and genuine connections for emerging women shaping the future of sound and culture. We had the opportunity to sit down with Tsehaitu “Tubi” Retta for an insightful conversation. Here is the interview:
The Leading Vibe Initiative is rooted in empowering women in music—what inspired you to be part of a movement that’s actively reshaping the industry narrative?
For me, it was never a hard decision. My entire career has been built around one core belief — that when you invest in women, you change systems. I’ve seen that play out in education, in policy, in diplomacy. Music is culture. It’s how communities understand and express themselves, how movements are born, how identity is shaped. So when you have an initiative that is intentionally creating space for women to lead, to be heard, to own their narrative in an industry that is such a powerful driver of culture, the impact has the potential to carry far beyond music.
In partnership with Hennessy, this Johannesburg edition feels like a powerful cultural moment—what makes this collaboration impactful for women on the continent?
What makes this collaboration meaningful is the alignment. There’s a real difference between a brand showing up for visibility and one showing up with genuine investment. Hennessy has a strong legacy in music and culture, and their support reflects a clear and real commitment to advancing women in the industry. They bring reach and resources, and when that’s aligned with a focused mission like the Leading Vibe Initiative, it can truly move the needle.
From your experience, what are some of the biggest gaps or challenges that still exist for women in music, and how is Leading Vibe working to address them?
The gaps are structural: limited access to funding and tools, underrepresentation in decision-making roles, and a culture that often prioritizes image over craft. There’s also the less visible challenge of self-censorship when women don’t see themselves reflected in leadership. What makes the Leading Vibe Initiative powerful is that it addresses these layers at once by building community, providing mentorship, and creating real pathways. That kind of holistic approach is what drives lasting change.
Johannesburg has such a rich and influential music scene—how important is it to host initiatives like this locally, and what kind of impact do you hope it leaves behind?
It is absolutely essential. One of the things I’ve learned working on global initiatives is that the best ideas in the world fall flat when there isn’t any local context. Johannesburg is a major arts and culture scene and a huge creative engine for the continent. Some of the most innovative artists and producers shaping African sound globally are coming from this city. So hosting the Leading Vibe Initiative here sends a message that says we see this ecosystem, and we want to support and strengthen it.
For young women trying to find their voice and space in the industry, what key mindset or moves would you say are essential right now?
First, know your value before you walk into any room. The industry will try to tell you what you’re worth. Don’t let it be the first to define you. Second, always choose community over competition. No one gets to where they’re going alone. Find your people, build your team and invest in those relationships. Third, take the time to understand the business side of the industry. And finally, be patient with your own evolution. Your voice doesn’t have to be fully formed right now. Some of the most powerful creatives in the industry took years to find their voice. Give yourself the grace of becoming.
