I didn’t want to be in the spotlight – Tems
Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, has expressed her struggles with fame despite her desire for musical success. In a recent episode of The Boost Podcast, the Grammy-winning artist discussed the tension she felt between her passion for music and her discomfort with public attention.
Tems revealed that for a significant period, she chose to keep her identity concealed from fans, preferring to maintain a “secret life” while pursuing her music career. She recounted instances at airports where she was recognized, stating, “I would go to the airport and people say, ‘You’re Tems.’ I will be like, ‘No, I’m not Tems.’ I was so afraid; I wanted to continue my secret life, and I was like, ‘God please, I don’t want to be in the spotlight.’”
Eventually, Tems began to accept her fame as it became increasingly difficult to remain out of the public eye.
In 2018, she made the pivotal decision to leave her position as a digital marketer to focus on her music career. That same year, she released her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” which helped establish her in the industry. Her prominence skyrocketed after she contributed to Wizkid’s acclaimed 2020 track “Essence.”
