Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, recently shared a surprising glimpse into a path she might have taken had she not pursued music.
During a Q&A session with fans on X, Tems revealed that she could have become a mathematics teacher or even an accountant. When asked what she would be doing if music hadn’t worked out, she responded, “I would have been a mathematics teacher or maybe an accountant.” The revelation showed her strong academic interests alongside her musical talents, surprising many fans who know her primarily for her artistry.
Before fully committing to her music career, Tems worked as a digital marketer. In January 2018, she made the bold decision to leave the corporate world to focus entirely on music. Her debut single, Mr Rabel, released in July 2018, drew local attention in Nigeria and marked the beginning of her rise in the music industry.
Tems’ international breakthrough came in 2020 when she featured on Wizkid’s hit Essence. The song became a global sensation, climbing to number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 after the remix with Justin Bieber. Her contribution earned her widespread acclaim and cemented her status as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated music stars.
"An accountant or a mathematics teacher" — Singer Tems shares what she'd have become if music hadn’t worked out.
