How Tems Grew From 9-5 Home Decor Sales to a Super Star

Once upon a time, in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, there was a young woman named Tems, who had dreams as big as the African sky. Born in 1995 to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father, Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, had a taste of the world beyond Nigeria when she moved to the United Kingdom with her parents. However, after her parents divorced when she was just five, she returned to Nigeria with her mother.

Tems’ journey to stardom was not a straight path. She once worked a 9-5 job selling home decor, a far cry from the glamour of the music industry. But music was always her true calling. She was inspired by the likes of Lauryn Hill and Asa, and her unique blend of R&B, soul, and Afrobeats set her apart from the crowd.

In 2018, Tems made a bold move. She quit her day job and decided to pursue her passion for music full-time. Her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” was released that same year, and it was the beginning of her rise to fame. The song was a hit, and it marked the start of her journey from a 9-5 job to a music superstar.

From there, Tems’ career skyrocketed. She released her debut EP, “For Broken Ears,” in 2020, which featured the hit single “Damages.” The song reached number one on the Nigerian Apple Music chart and number six on the TurnTable Top 50 chart. Her second EP, “If Orange Was a Place,” followed in 2021, further cementing her status as a rising star.

Tems’ big break came when she was featured on Wizkid’s hit song “Essence.” The song became a global sensation, earning her a Grammy nomination and introducing her to a global audience. She was then featured on Drake’s “Fountains,” further increasing her international exposure.

In 2022, Tems reached new heights. She was featured on Beyoncé’s album “Renaissance,” collaborating on the song “Move” with Grace Jones. She also co-wrote the song “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna, earning her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Today, Tems is one of the biggest stars in the music industry. She has been recognized by Billboard as their 2024 Women in Music Breakthrough Artist, and her songs are played on radios all around the world. Her journey from a 9-5 job to a music superstar is a testament to her talent, hard work, and determination. And she’s not done yet. As Tems herself says, “I’m going to go and go and go and go and go and go and go and reach and reach and reach and reach till I literally cannot anymore.”