GRAMMY-WINNING SENSATION TEMS REFLECTS ON HER PHENOMENAL RISE: "I'VE ACHIEVED BEYOND MY DREAMS" – FROM QUITTING A 9-5 TO EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION OF AFRICAN ARTISTS

 In a candid and heartfelt interview with CNN released today, December 1, 2025, Nigerian global superstar Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, opened up about her extraordinary journey from humble beginnings in Lagos to becoming a two-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer. At just 30 years old, Tems revealed that her path to success – marked by over 4.18 billion streams, sold-out world tours, and trailblazing achievements – has been defined not by the pursuit of fame, but by an unwavering commitment to authenticity, comfort, and uplifting others.

Tems, whose soul-stirring voice and genre-defying sound have reshaped Afrobeats and R&B on the world stage, shared poignant reflections on the uncertainties of her 20s and the profound gratitude she feels for surpassing even her wildest aspirations. "I've achieved beyond my dreams," she told CNN, her voice steady with humility. "I left a 9-5 digital marketing job in January 2018 because something inside me said, 'This isn't it.' I independently released 'Mr Rebel' that July, and here we are. Whatever the Lord has in store next, I'm ready – but right now, I'm just grateful for the peace and comfort I've found."

The Lagos-born artist, raised by a single mother alongside her older brother who introduced her to diverse sounds beyond Afrobeats, recalled the early struggles that tested her resolve. "It was really hard to get people to take me seriously – not just as a producer, but as a singer, period," Tems admitted. "I didn't feel safe, I didn't feel seen, and I didn't feel supported for a very long time. Everyone was pushing Afrobeats trends, but I was drawing from so much more – soul, R&B, even the chaos of Lagos traffic that shaped my melodies." Those formative years, she explained, forged her philosophy: "Authenticity is everything to me. That's the one thing I cannot compromise on because that's all I have – who I really am."

Tems' breakthrough came in 2020 with her feature on Wizkid's "Essence," which soared to the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 after a remix with Justin Bieber – making it the first Nigerian song to achieve the feat. The track's infectious blend of vulnerability and vibe catapulted her to international acclaim, earning collaborations with icons like Drake, Future, Rihanna, and Beyoncé. Her 2023 GRAMMY win for Best Melodic Rap Performance on Future's "Wait For U" (feat. Drake) made history as the first for a female Afrobeats artist, while her 2025 triumph in the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category for "Love Me JeJe" solidified her as a cultural force. The single, a euphoric anthem of self-love drawn from personal heartbreak, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 – a first for any African artist.

Reflecting on her debut album Born in the Wild (2024), Tems described it as a "story of survival" and self-embrace. "My 20s were eventful – full of uncertainty, but that's what keeps me growing," she said in a recent Billboard cover story. "I hope it doesn't slow down. I'm making music now that sounds nothing like before – experimental, raw, and free." Highlights include her electrifying performance of "Higher" for Aston Martin's 2025 F1 car unveiling at London's O2 Arena, drawing 15,000 fans, and her Coachella set that trended worldwide. With a net worth estimated at $25 million as of late 2025 – fueled by streaming royalties, tour revenues exceeding $50 million, and endorsement deals with brands like Dior – Tems emphasized that financial success pales in comparison to inner peace. "Fame? It's just a bonus. I want comfort, success, and happiness first. Everything else is the beautiful extra."

In a powerful pivot toward legacy-building, Tems spotlighted her Leading Vibe Initiative, a mentorship platform she founded to empower young African women aged 18-35 in the creative industries. "I've been there – overlooked and unsupported – so now I'm creating spaces where others can thrive without losing themselves," she shared. The program, expanding beyond Nigeria in 2026, offers workshops on production, songwriting, and mental health, with scholarships for emerging talents. "Through Leading Vibe, I'm helping women define success on their own terms. It's not about visibility; it's about stability and confidence."

Fans and industry peers have flooded social media with praise for Tems' maturity and grounded perspective. "Her mindset is everything – prioritizing balance over the fame grind," tweeted one supporter, echoing a sentiment that has sparked global conversations on authenticity in entertainment. As Tems prepares for her 2026 world tour and teases a sophomore album "that sounds like nothing I've done before," she remains the Rebel Gang Leader her followers adore – unapologetically herself, fiercely independent, and eternally grateful.