Thelma Osatohanmwen
In an interview with an American women’s magazine, Nigerian music sensation, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems shares the poignant story of her childhood in Lagos, Nigeria, shedding light on a transformative journey from a reserved and bullied child to the confident artist known and adored by fans today.
Tems discloses that growing up with her brother Tunji and mother, she was an exceptionally reserved child, entering the realm of speech only at the age of three.
Despite her quiet demeanor, she harbored a deep love for singing, a passion that would later define her career.
The artist reflects on her early years, admitting to feeling conscious about her speaking voice, which differed from the softer tones of other girls.
Bullied by peers to the point of tears, she coped by retreating into her own world and keeping a low social profile.
The struggles extended beyond school, with strangers offering unsolicited comments on her voice, further denting her self-esteem.
Tems, then known as young Temilade, faced challenges that could have stifled her spirit.
Yet, her narrative takes a positive turn in secondary school under the guidance of a music teacher who became a catalyst for her transformation.
It was there that she discovered her confidence and began embracing her unique voice.
In defiance of societal expectations, Tems chose not to conform to conventional vocal standards but instead, she decided to celebrate her deep voice, recognizing its beauty and distinctiveness.
The singer, now a symbol of self-acceptance and empowerment, encourages others to embrace their uniqueness and to “lean into” their own “weirdness.”