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 Davido, popularly known as ‘OBO,’ is being celebrated across the globe as he marks his 32nd birthday today, November 21.
Fans, supporters, and friends have flooded social media with goodwill messages, prayers, and tributes to honour the Unavailable crooner.
In a heartfelt post on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Davido expressed gratitude for reaching this milestone. “Big 32 soon! Omo, God is good. Happy to be alive! My eyes don see shege! But steady my fans dey shout shekpe!” he wrote, reflecting on his journey and the unwavering support of his fan base, the ‘30BG.’
Fans were quick to shower the superstar with love and admiration:
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@prettymfon wrote: “OBO baddest!!! 30BG everywhere you go!!! Happy birthday to the real GOAT, 001. God bless you more and more. May you live long to reap the fruits of your labour. Enjoy!!!”
@AbiolaBlackdiva added: “Happy birthday baba ibeji.”
@Big_Rosie_ celebrated with: “We mount and still shouting Shekpe 001 happy big 32.”
In a generous act of celebration, Davido’s wife, Chioma Adeleke, announced a giveaway of ₦40 million to 200 people, encouraging participants to subscribe to a YouTube channel as part of the entry process. She posted on X: “To celebrate Davido’s birthday today, I’ll be sharing ₦40million to 200 people. All you have to do is subscribe to the YouTube channel below and drop a screenshot as proof! Good-luck!!!”
Adding to the festivities, Mr Jay Autos LLC, an auto dealership, gifted Davido a brand-new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. In an announcement, the company stated: “On your birthday our brand Mr Jay Autos LLC has decided to gift you this new Escalade 600 Premium Luxury. We appreciate your patronage and love for the brand. Happy birthday oriade @davido cheers to many more years.”
Davido, who has consistently dominated the Nigerian and global music scene, continues to inspire millions with his talent, resilience, and generosity. As the celebrations unfold, fans worldwide remain united in wishing the 30BG leader more success and happiness in the years to come.
Nigerian beauty queen and Miss Universe runner-up, Chidimma Adetshina has revealed her decision to step away from beauty pageants.
Speaking candidly about her future plans, she shared, “I am putting pageant to bed. I’m going to focus more on my education and establishing who Chidimma is. More into runways. So many things I would like to touch on and see where my potential can go to.”
READ MORE: Miss Universe 2024: Nigeria’s Adetshina Finishes Strong As First Runner-Up
Adetshina’s decision comes after a challenging experience during her participation in the Miss Universe competition.
Following this chapter of her life, she has chosen to shift her priorities toward her education, acting aspirations, and exploring her potential in other fields.
Having recently returned to Nigeria from South Africa, where she encountered personal hurdles, Adetshina expressed resilience and a positive outlook. “I hold no grudges,” she noted, emphasizing her focus on growth and new opportunities.
Her announcement has sparked widespread conversations, with many admirers and industry stakeholders praising her courage to redefine her journey.
As she steps into this new phase, Adetshina is determined to embrace fresh challenges and make her mark in diverse areas of interest.
Entertainment
’46 Minutes To Heaven’: Davido’s Logistics Manager, Israel DMW Celebrates First US Trip
Israel DMW, the logistics manager to renowned Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido, has expressed profound gratitude following his recent visit to the United States.
In a heartfelt post shared via his Instagram page, Israel, who secured a five-year US visa just last month, described his experience in America as otherworldly, likening it to being just “46 minutes to Heaven.”
His excitement and appreciation were evident as he thanked God, his boss Davido, his Edo community, and Nigerians at large for their support.
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“It’s 46 minutes to Heaven when you get to America. 5yrs visa shit. Thank you, God Almighty. Thank you, baba twins. Thank you, sir. Thanks to my Edo people. Thanks to all Nigerians,” he wrote.
This milestone highlights yet another chapter in Israel’s journey alongside Davido, who has been instrumental in elevating the lives of those in his circle.
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Taylor Jimenez
August 31, 2023 at 6:43 am
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