Popular Grammy-winning singer Tems has opened up about her early struggles with fame. She recently had her say while speaking on an episode of The Boost Podcast, and fans have been reacting.
Stressing that she often denied her identity in public to protect her privacy, Tems stated that even though she wanted success in music, she wasn’t ready for the spotlight that came with it.
The “Me and You” crooner added that she had to embrace fame eventually after it became evident that she could no longer hide.
Her words, “I would go to the airport, and people would say, ‘You’re Tems.’ I would 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.'”
Temilade rose to international fame after featuring on Wizkid’s 2020 hit “Essence,” which became the first Nigerian song to break into the Billboard Hot 100 top 10. Tems went on to co-write Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” in 2022, a song that earned Golden Globe and Oscar nominations.
She was also featured on Beyoncé’s “Move” and has become one of the most sought-after African artists globally.
In June 2024, the songstress released her debut album “Born in the Wild,” which peaked at No. 56 on the Billboard 200 – the highest chart position for a Nigerian female artist at the time.
The album also produced hits like “Love Me JeJe,” which earned her a Grammy in 2025 for Best African Music Performance.
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