Tems’ Story Hits Different: Self-Doubt, Faith, and Worldwide Fame

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, is not just celebrating global success — she’s also reflecting on the journey that brought her there. From Grammy wins to personal struggles, the artist is opening up about growth, self-awareness, and faith.

In a recent interview with media personality Angie Martinez, Tems described her rise to fame as overwhelming but meaningful. According to her, everything happening in her life feels like a big adventure that is shaping her into a better, more aware version of herself.

Tems has achieved major milestones in recent years. She won her first Grammy Award in 2023 for her contribution to the hit song “Wait For U,” alongside Future and Drake. She followed it up with another Grammy in 2025, winning Best African Music Performance for her song “Love Me JeJe” from her album Born in the Wild.

The success didn’t stop there. “Wait For U” went on to sell over 10 million units in the United States, making Tems the first Nigerian female artist to reach that level. While this may seem like a dream come true, she revealed that her journey has not always been easy.

Tems spoke honestly about dealing with self-doubt and rejection, especially in her early days. She explained that she had gotten so used to rejecting herself that when people finally started accepting her, it felt difficult to believe it.

These experiences forced her to look inward and understand her fears. Today, she encourages others to do the same — to become aware of their fears instead of running from them.

Beyond her personal growth, Tems credits her faith in God as a major part of her journey. She shared that in moments where things felt bigger than her, she realized she couldn’t rely on her own strength alone. This realization drew her closer to God and gave her a new sense of direction.

Now, she believes her purpose goes beyond music. She sees herself as someone meant to inspire others and be a light in the world, while still doing what she loves — making music.

Tems first gained attention in 2019 with her breakout single “Try Me.” She later achieved global recognition through “Essence” with Wizkid, which earned her a Grammy nomination and introduced her to a wider audience.

Since then, she has continued to grow, working with top international artists and solidifying her place on the global stage. But for Tems, the journey is not just about fame — it’s about becoming more confident, more aware, and more connected to her purpose.