What surprising fact do you know about Tems?
Tems’ journey to the global music stage is nothing short of extraordinary. From her breakout single Mr Rebel in 2018 to becoming a Grammy-winning artist, she has carved out a distinct space in the industry. Her soulful blend of R&B, Afrobeats, and alternative music has not only captivated audiences but has also set her apart as a force to be reckoned with.
Her rise to fame skyrocketed after her feature on Wizkid’s Essence from the Made in Lagos album, a song that became an international sensation. In just a few years, she has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, worked with some of the biggest names in the music industry, and solidified her status as an inspiration to young women worldwide.
While many know the basics of her success, there are several intriguing aspects of Tems’ life that remain lesser known. Here are 10 surprising facts about the Nigerian music sensation.
1. She Left a Job in Digital Marketing to Pursue Music
Before stepping into the limelight, Tems had a regular corporate job in digital marketing. Despite having a stable career, she felt unfulfilled and knew that music was her true calling. In an interview with NPR, she recalled the moment she decided to quit. Her boss had warned her about losing focus at work, to which she responded, “Actually, this is the best time to say I want to quit.” Choosing music over the safety of a corporate job was a bold move, but it ultimately led her to where she is today.
2. She’s Not Just a Singer—She’s a Music Producer
Tems isn’t just a vocalist; she’s deeply involved in the production process of her music. In 2020, she released her debut EP, For Broken Ears, where she wrote and produced almost every track except for Damages. She carried this hands-on approach into her second EP, If Orange Was a Place, and her debut album, Born in the Wild. Her ability to control her sound gives her an edge in the industry, proving that she is not just a performer but a complete artist.
3. She Has British Roots
Although widely recognized as a Nigerian artist, Tems was actually born to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father. After spending her early years in the UK, she moved back to Nigeria at the age of five following her parents’ separation. Her diverse background has influenced both her personality and her music, allowing her to seamlessly blend different cultural elements into her sound.
4. She Wrote Her First Full Song at 17
Tems’ journey as a songwriter started at a young age. She began experimenting with lyrics as early as 9 or 10 years old, but she didn’t write a complete song until she was 17. In an interview with ELLE, she revealed that her first official song was about a Sunday morning, inspired by the sounds of the early 2010s music scene. This moment was a turning point that helped her realize her potential as a songwriter.
5. She Learned Music Production on YouTube
Not having access to the right producers initially pushed Tems to teach herself music production. Frustrated by her inability to find someone who truly understood her sound, she decided to take matters into her own hands. With the help of YouTube tutorials, she mastered the basics of music production, engineering, and sound design. Her self-taught skills have played a crucial role in shaping her unique sound.
6. She Has a Degree in Economics
Before fully diving into music, Tems took the academic route and earned a degree in Economics. She attended IIE MSA (formerly Monash South Africa) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite completing her studies, she always knew her passion lay elsewhere. In an interview with HOT 97, she admitted that she resonates with creatives who struggle with traditional education, as she herself found it difficult to stay focused in school while dreaming of a music career.
7. She’s a Huge Anime Fan
Tems isn’t just about music—she also has a soft spot for anime. Her top three anime series? Attack on Titan, Darker Than Black, and Demon Slayer. She’s drawn to stories with deep emotions and powerful themes, much like the music she creates.
8. She Once Cooked for Drake
When Tems collaborated with Drake on Fountains, a track from his Certified Lover Boy album, their studio session turned into something more unexpected—she ended up cooking for him and his team. She made chicken stew and rice, and while the spice level was a little intense for Drake’s crew, they still enjoyed the meal. In her own words, “The pepper choke them small, but they loved it.”
9. She Was Arrested in Uganda
In December 2020, Tems and fellow Nigerian artist Omah Lay were arrested in Uganda after performing at a concert. Authorities accused them of violating COVID-19 restrictions, leading to their brief detention. The incident caused an outcry on social media, with fans demanding their release. After two days behind bars, they were freed, and the Ugandan government later apologized for the arrests.
10. Celine Dion Sparked Her Love for Music
As a child growing up in Nigeria, Tems was captivated by Celine Dion’s music. In a conversation with Kendrick Lamar for Interview Magazine, she shared how Dion’s emotionally charged ballads resonated with her. “Nigerians love Celine Dion,” she said. “Her songs are very emotional, jump-off-a-cliff type songs. They entered my soul. I think that’s where my love for music started.”
