Tems Will Always Be A Nigerian

Temilade Openiyi, the 29-year-old Afrobeats star, popularly known as Tems, stands as a modern-day figure who brings immense honor to both present and past generations of African music on the global scene.

Her voice and distinctive musical style have always impressed her fans all over the world, earning her the international recognition she deserves. However, despite her rising fame and global recognition, one aspect of her identity remains undeniable: Tems will always be Nigerian.

This connection to her heritage is clear in every action she takes, every show she performs, and every interview she features in. This was most recently highlighted in her feature in the recent Fashion Issue of Essence magazine, where she candidly shared the specifics of her journey. In the interview with Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, Tems discussed the determination that propels Black and diasporic women like herself, encouraging others to follow their passions while remaining firmly grounded in their roots and essence.

It was in 2018 that Tems left her corporate job to pursue what she describes as her life’s purpose: making music. Over the past seven years, she has undoubtedly demonstrated that this is her true calling. One of the standout qualities she brings to the stage is her authenticity, never compromising her roots. As she shared with Essence, “I like to be comfortable when I’m onstage, because the more comfortable I feel, the better my performance…” 

As an artist widely recognized on the stage, Tems leans towards a contemporary style in both her music and fashion. As a result, there’s a natural curiosity in all of us to understand the inspirations that drive her, as well as how she embodies her identity as a Nigerian woman through her choices. This pride fuels the desire of Nigerians to connect with and appreciate one of their own who represents the nation so powerfully on the global stage.

Speaking with Gabriella Karefa-Johnson for Essence, Tems discussed how she maintains her identity despite global influences. She explained to Karefa-Johnson, “I feel like now, in the world, everybody wears many different things from different places. We’re not always wearing our traditional clothing that we’re used to wearing, from where we came from. But it doesn’t change who we are. I’m always going to be ­Nigerian. You have to show up as who you really are, in your blood. I know my culture: I’m Yoruba. And I know—if I was to get married tomorrow, I know the attire that we’re all wearing as a family. And anything that has to do with representing Nigeria always needs to reflect that. As a Nigerian, I feel emotional, which is what I think art should be. Art is emotion expressed.”

“Tems will always be Nigerian”. This an assuring and representational statement, especially from someone who could easily claim global citizenship and push her Nigerian roots to the background. However, she stays connected without undermining her authenticity, as someone who just wants to live her life and find fulfillment in what she knows how to do best.

When it comes to Tems’ musical performances, comfort is key. She has always emphasized that she won’t compromise her comfort or authenticity to fit a specific image. There is always pressure to conform to certain expectations from both Nigerian audiences and people around the world.

Tems believes that trying to fit into a mold created by others is simply not an option for her. As she puts it to Essence, “I can’t really be anybody else. It’s just not going to work. You are doing yourself a disservice trying to be someone else. You should just be who you are. Once you start trying, you’ve already missed the road. That’s a takeaway from how I live my life for sure.”

Tems also faces the pressure of being seen as a representative or role model for all African women, especially those who share her Nigerian background. She openly admits to Essence that it can be frustrating to be expected to represent the experiences of so many different people. To manage this pressure, Tems concentrates on why she is pursuing her music and who she is doing it for. She believes that focusing too much on others’ opinions can lead to an unhealthy mindset. Instead, Tems remains true to herself, confident that those who genuinely appreciate her will value her for who she is. She remembers living authentically before fame and strives to maintain that authenticity in all she does.

This commitment to her true self is evident in her fashion choices. Recall her audacious appearance at the 2023 Oscars. Tems chose a custom white sculptural gown from Ukrainian brand Lever Couture’s AW22 Leleka Couture collection, which she described as “outside the box.” She paired the gown with metallic silver eyeliner and cocoa-lined lips, enhancing the outfit’s futuristic vibe. As she explained to Bazaar, “The dress is my way of celebrating my work, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people who are rooting for me… This dress says ‘Yes, yes, I am here!”

Tems’ fashion style has evolved significantly over time, reflecting her openness to change and collaboration when it comes to her influence in the fashion industry. This adaptability is a quality that many of us hope she will continue to embrace. As Tems shares in her Essence interview, “I like fine jewelry, and I like crystals and rocks, and I enjoy silver and things that are mixed as well.” These distinctive elements are key features that contribute to the Tems we admire. Her choice of accessories and jewelry not only enhances her stage presence but also adds an intriguing dimension to her performances.

From an outsider’s perspective, Tems’ life, career, and journey reveal an intentional commitment to her own expectations and the goals she believes she is meant to achieve. On June 7, 2024, Tems released her debut studio album, Born in the Wild, through RCA Records and Since ’93. Supported by the singles “Me & U” and “Love Me JeJe,” the album features collaborations with J. Cole and Asake, and was produced by Tems, GuiltyBeatz, Sarz, P2J, London, Spax, and DameDame.

To promote the album, Tems launched the Born in the Wild Tour, starting in Europe on June 12 and continuing through July 16. She will return to the US on August 22 to begin the North American leg in Miami Beach, Florida, and after concluding the America segment of the tour in Los Angeles on October 1, she will proceed with the tour across Africa, Asia, and Australia and we’re here for all of it! 

Tems, as we continue to see, commits to build a life that is fulfilling, acknowledging that while her approach to making music may evolve, staying true to her roots, goals and values is essential.