- She revealed that she could have built a quiet career as an accountant or a mathematics teacher
- Tems has often mentioned that her music career was not predetermined
- Tems stands as one of Nigeria’s most influential artists far from the quiet classroom
Nigerian vocalist Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has shared new insight into the alternate career paths she once considered before music propelled her to global fame.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that during an interactive session with fans on X, the Grammy-winning singer revealed that she could have built a quiet career as an accountant or a mathematics teacher if her musical journey had not taken off.
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Her response surprised many fans who view her as one of Afrobeats’ most distinctive and experimental voices.
Tems has often mentioned that her music career was not predetermined, noting that she explored various interests before deciding to pursue her passion fully.
Her revelation adds to a year of major milestones. In February 2025, Tems clinched her second Grammy, winning Best African Music Performance with Love Me JeJe at the 77th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
She also received nominations for Best Global Music Album (Born in the Wild) and Best R&B Song (Burning), raising her career total to eight nominations.
Before fame, Tems worked in digital marketing, a job she left in 2018 to face music squarely. Since then, her rise has been meteoric.
Her extended play Love Is a Kingdom and her breakout contribution to Wizkid’s hit Essence established her as an international star, opening doors to global collaborations and iconic recognition.
Today, Tems stands as one of Nigeria’s most influential artists far from the quiet classroom or accounting office she once envisioned.
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