Popular Nigerian singer, Tems, has opened up about her decision to walk away from a career in digital marketing to pursue her passion for music, describing the choice as a matter of “life or death.”
In an interview with Billboard, the Grammy-winning artist reflected on the pivotal moment in 2018 when she chose to leave her job. She revealed that just months after quitting, she released her debut single.
“It just got to a point where I couldn’t take it anymore, and it was really dawning on me like, it’s now or never,” she said.
“I was just putting it off until it was just about having faith that God would see me through wherever I go.
“I quit my job in January 2018, I released ‘Mr Rebel’ in 2018. Same year and in six or seven months after I quit my job.
“Spiritually, I was aware that digital marketing wasn’t my path and I needed to leave this place right now. It felt really like life or death.”
Tems went on to explain how urgent the decision felt at the time, underscoring the gravity of the moment.
“It was like this can make or break your destiny, and you need to make a decision right now. And I chose to take that leap. Yes, it was worth it. I think about it a lot and I’m like, wow. Imagine if I didn’t believe?”
She also credited her mother’s unwavering support as a major influence during the transition, calling it the “most rewarding part” of her journey.
“My mum is like my angel. She means a lot to me because we went through it. I was taking care of her because she had broken her leg and I asked her before I quit my job,” she said.
“We were going through a lot at the time and we needed that job and she was like, ‘Yes I think you should go and chase your dreams and try this music thing. You can do it and I believe in you, just do whatever you need to do and don’t worry about me. I’m here for you’.”
Tems added, “Just seeing her over the years do everything she can for me and now seeing her happy every day. That’s the most fulfilling part of my life. Just being able to make her smile.”
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, rose to prominence in 2020 following her collaboration with Wizkid on the global hit Essence. In 2023, she earned her first Grammy for her contribution to Wait For U, a 2022 single by Future featuring Drake. She clinched her second Grammy at the 2025 awards, winning in the ‘Best African Performance’ category.
