Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, has opened up about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her career. The ‘Essence’ hitmaker admitted that she was incredibly naive when she first entered the music industry, despite her undeniable talent.
In a recent interview with Glamour Magazine Germany, Tems shared her reflections on her early days in the music business. “I don’t want to lie. I was very naive at the beginning of my career – I just wanted to make good art,” she confessed. She explained that while her passion for music was strong, it took time for her to understand the complexities of the industry and how to navigate it in a healthy and sustainable way.
Tems, who has risen to international stardom, highlighted that her early naivety was a learning process. She emphasized that it wasn’t just about creating music but also about managing the business side of her career. “I had to learn how to navigate the music business in a healthy way,” she added, reflecting on how much she’s grown since the start of her journey.
Despite the challenges, Tems credited her success to the strong support system around her. She acknowledged the critical role her management and family played in helping her stay grounded. “I would say that it is both my management and my family that keep me grounded. Especially my family, my mother and my brother,” she revealed, emphasizing the importance of their emotional and moral support.