Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has shared the inspiring reason behind her bold decision to leave her digital marketing job and follow her passion for music.
In an interview with Billboard, Tems explained that quitting her job was a difficult but necessary step.
She said, It got to a point where I couldn’t take anymore.
It was really dawning on me like, it’s now or never. I was just putting it off until I developed faith that God will see me through wherever I go.
Tems revealed that she left her digital marketing position in January 2018 and waited about six to seven months before releasing her debut single, Mr Rabel, which gained initial attention. She added, Spiritually, I was aware that digital marketing wasn’t my path, I need to leave this place right now. It felt really like life or death. It was like this can make or break your destiny, and you need to make a decision right now. I chose to quit and it worked out.
Tems rose to international fame after featuring on Wizkid’s 2020 global hit, Essence, which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 2022, she became the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with Future’s song Wait 4 U, featuring her and Drake. The song won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023.
This year, Tems earned another Grammy for her song Love Me Jeje, winning Best African Music Performance
