Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, recently shared a profound reflection on her career. The Grammy-winning artist revealed that her achievements in music have far surpassed anything she envisioned while working a regular 9-to-5 job.
Tems began her journey in the music industry with determination. In 2019, she released her debut single, ‘Mr Rebel’. This track quickly garnered significant media attention. Her career trajectory shifted dramatically in 2020. This was when she collaborated with Wizkid on his chart-topping single, ‘Essence’.
The global reach of ‘Essence’ expanded further with a remix featuring pop superstar Justin Bieber. This version propelled the song to an impressive number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This achievement brought Tems widespread international recognition and solidified her place on the global music stage.
A String of Historic Achievements
Tems’ accomplishments continued to soar. In 2023, she made history. She became the first female Afrobeats artist to win a Grammy Award. This prestigious win was for her collaboration with Future and Drake on the track ‘Wait For U’, which secured the Best Melodic Rap Performance category.
Looking ahead, Tems is slated to earn her second Grammy in 2025. She is set to take home the award for Best African Music Performance. This would make her the only Nigerian artist with multiple Grammy victories, further cementing her legendary status.
Beyond Grammys, Tems has also garnered significant nominations. She received Oscar and Golden Globe nods for her role. This was for co-writing Rihanna’s acclaimed song ‘Lift Me Up’. These nominations underscore her immense influence across the global music and film industries.
Beyond Her Wildest Dreams
Reflecting on her journey, Tems openly shared her feelings about her incredible success. When asked by a fan about her current aspirations and whether she had achieved all her pre-stardom dreams, Tems offered a candid response. She stated, “I’m looking forward to whatever the Lord has in store and honestly I’ve achieved beyond my dreams from when I had a 9-5.”
Tems’ career stands as a testament to talent, perseverance, and divine favour. From her early beginnings to global stardom, she continues to inspire. Her journey exemplifies how dedication can lead to achievements far greater than initially imagined.