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I Didn’t Care If I Never Became Anything, Says Tems

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Tems' Hit Single 'Found' Set To Receive RIAA Plaque

Nigerian singer and producer, Temilade Opeyemi, better known as Tems, has opened out about the struggle to gain recognition for her music.

The musician discussed her experiences as an up-and-coming artist whose sound has yet to find an audience in her own nation in an interview with superstar rapper Kendrick Lamar that was published via Interview Magazine on Tuesday.

She claims that several people advised her to join the mainstream Afrobeats music rather than R&B, which she loved. The “Crazy Tings” singer claimed she made the decision to do what she felt was right, despite not knowing if it would bring her fame or wealth.

“I was prepared to die,” she said. “I believed in myself so much that I didn’t really care if I never became anything or anyone. I just wanted to get a message out. I wanted to get my frequency out. And I was like, ‘Even if ten people hear this, it’s fine.’ But also along the way, I used to listen to a lot of Nigerian music and I wasn’t getting a lot of spiritual—I love Celine Dion, so, I love that intense feeling of, I’m about to jump off a cliff.

“That’s how I want my music to feel all the time, and Afrobeats wasn’t necessarily giving me that type of stimulation. Everyone I asked for advice was like, ‘The only way you can do this is Afrobeats. It’s not that your music is bad, it’s just that it doesn’t fit in Nigeria. Nigerians don’t like this’.”

Tems also admitted that while earning money was good, she is more interested in “chasing a frequency”

“There’s artists I’ve loved all my life, that when they reach a certain stage, the music loses that frequency, it loses that touch they had. And I always wondered why. Why do I have to lose that touch? I don’t actually care where I end up. If I’m under a bridge and I have a way to make music, I’m going to be good.

“That’s what led me to meet the people that connected to that music. There was no indication that I would’ve ended up here. Nobody could have told me I would be sitting here in London speaking to you, Kendrick Lamar” she continued.

Openiyi has enjoyed a winning streak ever since her collaboration with Wizkid, “Essence” became an international hit in 2021. The song earned Tems her first feature on the Billboard Hot 100 at number nine.

Since then, she has smashed records and won or been nominated for a number of international awards. Her Grammy victory in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her duet with Future and Drake’s “Wait for U” marked her the first female musician from Nigeria to do so.

As the first female singer from Nigeria to debut at the top of the Hot 100 charts in April 2022, Tems also made Billboard history with “Wait for U” in that month.

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. Taylor Jimenez

    August 31, 2023 at 6:43 am

    Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with some pics to drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is fantastic blog. An excellent read. I will certainly be back.

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Olamide, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Others Dazzle Fans At Flytime Music Festival 2024

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Lagos witnessed an electrifying night of Afrobeats excellence on December 23, 2024, as the Flytime Music Festival took center stage.

Headlined by Nigerian music powerhouse Olamide, the event brought together an impressive lineup of stars to deliver unforgettable performances.

Olamide, affectionately called “Baddest” by fans, captivated the audience with back-to-back hits from his extensive catalog, including fan favorites like Melo Melo and Duro Soke.

The night turned emotional when Zlatan Ibile joined Olamide on stage and knelt in homage, a moment that resonated deeply with the crowd.

READ MORE: Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Former Ooni’s Wife, Others Remanded Over Stampede

The festival also showcased the generational impact of Olamide’s artistry.

Rising stars like Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, and Pheelz, who credit Olamide as a mentor, joined him on stage for a nostalgic display of talent.

Bella Shmurda, Fireboy DML, and Wande Coal also made show-stopping appearances.

A highlight of the night was the powerful duet between Olamide and Wande Coal on their hit song Kpe Paso.

Afrobeats royalty turned out in full force to support Olamide. Icons like Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Peruzzi, and Iyanya performed alongside emerging stars such as Magixx, Omah Lay, Orezi, Khaid, and Lojay, making the event a celebration of the genre’s past, present, and future.

CKay added extra flair by joining Olamide for a vibrant performance of their collaboration, Wahala, while Tiwa Savage brought her signature energy to the stage, keeping fans on their feet.

Backstage, entertainers Tunde Perry and Farulee added a dose of humor, further elevating the night’s excitement. Flytime Music Festival 2024 was more than a concert; it was a testament to the unifying power of music and a celebration of the global dominance of Afrobeats.

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Davido Spotted With Burna Boy’s Mother At Tony Elumelu’s All White Party

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Nigerian music sensation Davido was recently seen engaging warmly with Bose Ogulu, the mother and manager of Grammy-winning artist Burna Boy, at Tony Elumelu’s exclusive all-white party in Lagos.

The event, hosted by the prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, gathered a star-studded assembly of celebrities, business leaders, and influencers.

The interaction between Davido and Ogulu drew significant attention, especially considering the previously reported tensions between Davido and Burna Boy.

Their cordial exchange at the event has sparked discussions among fans and observers, suggesting a possible easing of past disagreements.

READ MORE: Davido Announces 2025 Album 5IVE, Drops Single ‘Funds’

The all-white party, known for its elegance and high-profile guest list, featured performances from top Nigerian artists, including Davido and Burna Boy. Their individual performances were among the highlights of the evening, showcasing the unity and vibrancy of the Nigerian music industry.

Tony Elumelu’s gatherings are renowned for bringing together diverse talents and fostering a spirit of collaboration. The presence of both Davido and Burna Boy’s mother at the same event underscores the influential role such occasions play in bridging gaps within the entertainment community.

As videos and images from the event circulate on social media, fans express optimism about the potential reconciliation between the two music giants. Many hope that this encounter signifies a new chapter of collaboration and mutual respect in the Nigerian music scene.

Watch Video here

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Tragic Funfair Crush In Ibadan Claims Children’s Lives

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The Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the reconstruction of Ijio-Idiko-Ile Road which is one of the roads in the Oke Ogun geo-political zone in the state. Makinde also disclosed that he had given the go-ahead for the renovation of Iseyin Township Hall. Makinde, made these known during a town hall meeting held at Iseyin Town Hall in Iseyin Local Government Area, on Thursday. In his speech, Makinde informed the audience that construction is still going on at the Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomoso campus's College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus. He declared that Oba Abdul Ganiy Adekunle Salau, the most recent Aseyin of Iseyin, would be honored by having the campus lecture hall bear his name.

Several children lost their lives, and many others were injured in a tragic incident at a funfair in Ibadan, a city in south-west Nigeria.

The event, which was advertised as free entry, attracted a massive crowd, resulting in a crush as attendees struggled to gain access.

Eyewitnesses reported that over 5,000 children gathered at the venue, located at the Islamic High School Basorun. The tragedy unfolded when the main organisers arrived to begin the event. While the exact sequence of events leading to the crush remains unclear, the situation escalated into chaos, leaving scores injured.

READ MORE: Osun’s Mining Reforms Focused On Fairness, Equity – Governor

The Oyo state government confirmed the incident, stating that victims had been rushed to various hospitals across Ibadan for treatment. In a statement, they acknowledged “multiple loss of lives and injuries.” Authorities have urged concerned parents to check local hospitals for their children’s whereabouts.

The devastating event has left the community in shock, with residents mourning the lives lost in what should have been a joyous occasion. Investigations are expected to shed light on how the situation spiraled out of control.

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