Tems Opens Up About Faith, Rejection, and Her Grammy Journey
Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has shared profound reflections on her rapid ascent to global stardom, discussing her Grammy victories, battles with self-doubt, and the deepening of her spiritual faith. In a recent interview with Angie Martinez, the acclaimed artist described her career trajectory as both overwhelming and purposeful, emphasizing how her success has driven her toward greater self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Grammy Achievements and Record-Breaking Success
Tems has secured two Grammy Awards, first earning the prestigious honor in 2023 for her contribution to the hit song Wait for U, a collaboration with Future and Drake. She later won her second Grammy in 2025, taking home the Best African Music Performance award for her song Love Me JeJe from her album Born in the Wild. Beyond the accolades, Wait for U has continued to shatter records, recently surpassing 10 million units in sales in the United States. This milestone makes Tems the first Nigerian female artist to achieve such a feat, solidifying her impact on the international music scene.
Overcoming Rejection and Embracing Self-Awareness
The journey to success was not without its challenges. Tems spoke candidly about experiencing rejection and how it shaped her mindset long before she gained global recognition. "I feel like I had been in my mind rejected so much, that when I found people that finally accepted me, because I was so used to rejecting myself, I couldn't accept their acceptance," she revealed. These difficult experiences forced her to confront her fears and cultivate self-awareness, a process she now encourages others to undertake. "But that's why I always encourage people to become aware, get curious about this fear that you have," she added, highlighting the importance of introspection in personal growth.
Faith as a Central Force in Her Journey
Tems credited her faith as a pivotal element in her career, explaining how moments of uncertainty led her to rely on God. "Especially in those moments, I couldn't have thought about it. It was bigger than me and I think that's actually what led me to God. Because I realised I can't do it myself, and that was my only solution," she said. This spiritual foundation has evolved, with Tems now viewing her purpose as extending beyond music. She sees herself as a source of inspiration to others, stating, "What I am learning is that I am here not just for myself, but to be an example. Just be a child of God that is deciding to be a light to the world. I know that this is definitely God. I just want to make music."
Rise to International Fame
Tems first captured widespread attention with her breakout single Try Me in 2019, before achieving international recognition through her feature on Essence with Wizkid. The song became a global hit and earned her a Grammy nomination, introducing her to a broader audience. Since then, she has collaborated with some of the biggest names in global music, further cementing her status on the world stage. Her journey from local acclaim to Grammy-winning artist underscores the power of resilience, faith, and artistic dedication in overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
