Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has opened up about her early discomfort with fame, revealing that she once went to great lengths to avoid being recognised in public.
The singer made the disclosure while speaking on an episode of The Boost Podcast, where she reflected on her transition from pursuing music privately to becoming a globally recognised artiste.
Prompt News reports Tems said that although she was determined to succeed in music, she was not prepared for the attention that came with it. She disclosed that she initially wanted to maintain a private life away from the spotlight.
According to her, she would sometimes deny being Tems when fans recognised her, as she hoped to preserve what she described as her “secret life.”
“I would go to the airport and people say, ‘You’re Tems.’ I will be like, ‘No, I’m not Tems.’ I was so afraid, I wanted to continue my secret life, and I was like, ‘God please, I don’t want to be in the spotlight,’” she said.
The singer explained that as her popularity grew, it became increasingly difficult to conceal her identity or avoid public attention.
She said she eventually began adjusting to the realities of fame after realising that she could no longer hide from the recognition that came with her music career.
Tems’ journey into music followed a major career decision in 2018 when she left her job as a digital marketer to pursue music full-time.
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That same year, she released her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” marking the beginning of her professional music career.
Her profile grew significantly after she was featured on Wizkid’s 2020 hit single, “Essence,” a collaboration that introduced her music to a much wider international audience.
Since then, Tems has established herself as one of Nigeria’s prominent global music exports, while earning major international recognition, including Grammy success.
