Entertainment
I Didn’t Care If I Never Became Anything, Says Tems
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.
Nigerian music icon, David Adeleke, widely known as Davido, has made a public declaration about his personal growth and commitment to fidelity, stating that he’s done with cheating.
In a recent interview on the Breakfast Club podcast, the Afrobeats star spoke candidly about his past and how personal experiences have reshaped his outlook on relationships.
“I’m not cheating again. I don’t want wahala. I don’t want any wahala. I have five kids with four women,” Davido admitted, shedding light on his journey toward a more disciplined and peaceful lifestyle.
READ MORE: ‘If Anything Happens To Me, Hold Davido Responsible – Radiogad
He reflected on the influence of family, particularly the polygamous experiences of two of his uncles. “My uncle that’s a governor has two wives. Another of my uncles: all his wives lived with him, and they played with each other. But upon all the money, there’s still wahala,” he explained.
Davido suggested that witnessing the emotional and logistical complications in those homes helped him make up his mind.
“Maybe because I’ve had bad experiences. Sometimes experience is the best teacher,” he added.
The Nigerian film industry reached another milestone this weekend with the premiere of Radio Voice, a new feature film produced by renowned actor Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD).
The film made its debut on Saturday, April 6, 2025, at a star-studded event in Lagos State.
Radio Voice delves into the life of a charismatic radio presenter whose powerful public persona hides the personal struggles he faces behind the scenes.
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The film explores themes such as media influence, self-identity, and the emotional complexities of maintaining a public image.
Directed by Isioma Osaje, the film has been described as “a tribute to the legacy of radio in Nigeria” and offers “an intimate look at the human voice as both a tool and a burden.”
Speaking on the red carpet, Director Isioma Osaje shared her pride in leading the project. “One of the most meaningful stories I’ve ever had the privilege to tell,” she said, reflecting on the emotional weight of the film.
The premiere was hosted by popular media personality Ariyiike Dimples, who added energy and excitement to the event, interviewing guests and celebrities on the red carpet.
The event was attended by an impressive lineup of Nollywood stars, media executives, radio icons, and influencers, all dressed to impress.
The screening of Radio Voice received a standing ovation, with attendees praising the film’s emotional depth and the standout performances of its cast.
Early reactions on social media have been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the film as powerful, nostalgic, and a timely reflection on the challenges faced by media professionals.
In his address at the premiere, RMD highlighted the importance of preserving Nigerian heritage through storytelling.
“This film is for every radio personality who ever wondered if their voice was enough,” he said, emphasizing the significance of the narrative for media professionals.
Radio Voice is set to open in cinemas nationwide on April 11, 2025, and is expected to captivate audiences with its powerful portrayal of the human side of radio and the media industry.
Nollywood actress Annie Idibia has reappeared on social media nearly two months after her widely publicized separation from Nigerian music icon 2Baba.
Her return to Instagram has drawn significant attention, especially after she wiped her account clean, deleting all previous posts.
The actress’ sudden social media reset has fueled speculation about a fresh start, as fans and industry watchers analyze her next move.
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Annie and 2Baba, who share two children, officially ended their marriage in January 2025, following a public announcement by the singer.
Reports indicate that Annie sought rehabilitation after the breakup, while 2Baba has since moved on and is engaged to Edo lawmaker Natasha Osawaru.
Fans remain eager to see what comes next for the actress.
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