Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has opened up about the challenges she faced in the early stages of her music career, particularly the difficulty in gaining recognition and credibility in the industry.
In a recent interview, Tems candidly shared her experiences of struggling to be taken seriously as a musician.
She emphasized the importance of persistence and self-belief in overcoming these initial hurdles.
“It was really hard to get people to take me seriously,” Tems admitted. “But I kept pushing, kept creating, and eventually, people started to listen.”
The singer highlighted that her journey was not without its obstacles, but her determination and passion for music kept her focused on her goals.
From Digital Marketing to Music Stardom
Before her breakthrough in music, Tems worked in digital marketing. However, she reached a point where she felt unfulfilled and decided to pursue her true passion. In a previous interview, she revealed:
“I quit my digital marketing job because it got to a point where I couldn’t take it anymore. It was really dawning on me like, it’s now or never.”
After leaving her job, Tems released her first single, “Mr. Rebel,” which gained traction and set her on the path to stardom.
Recognition and Global Success
Tems’ persistence paid off as she gained international recognition.
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She was featured on Wizkid’s global hit “Essence” in 2020, which propelled her into the global spotlight.
In 2022, she became the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with Future’s song “Wait for U,” which also won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Earlier this year, Tems won another Grammy for her song “Love Me Jeje” in the Best African Music Performance category.
A Message to Aspiring Artists
Reflecting on her journey, Tems encouraged aspiring musicians to remain steadfast and believe in their craft, despite the challenges they may face.
“Stay true to your art, keep working hard, and don’t let anyone discourage you. Your time will come,” she advised.
Tems’ story serves as an inspiration to many, demonstrating that with determination and passion, it is possible to overcome obstacles and achieve success in the competitive music industry.
