Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, recently shared her journey, upbringing, and unique sound in an interview with New York Magazine, ‘The Cut.’
Tems revealed that she was a reserved child, preferring to keep to herself while growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, alongside her brother Tunji and mother.
She noted that her passion for singing had always been evident. Describing herself as being in her “own little world” and not very social during her early years, Tems reflected on her childhood with the American women’s magazine.
The artist delved into the challenges she faced, particularly concerning her voice, noting that when she was young, she was conscious of her speaking voice, which differed from other girls with softer tones, even in singing.
‘The Cut’ portrayed instances of bullying that made her an outcast, leading her to cover her head with a blazer and mostly keep to herself.
Despite unsolicited comments and advice about the pitch of her voice, Tems found confidence during her secondary school years under the guidance of her music teacher. This transformative period allowed her to embrace her unique voice and develop into the self-assured woman she is today.
Tems expressed her desire to lean into her individuality, stating, “If you think I sound like a man, I think that’s pretty cool—I’m gonna sound more like a man. I started to want that deepness. I wanted to lean into my weirdness.”
