Tems Shares Her Journey from Rejection to Recognition
Before fame, Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, struggled to be taken seriously.
The Grammy-winning singer revealed that during her early years, few people believed in her, and she often felt invisible in the music industry.
She said it was hard to find support, especially while trying to establish herself as both a singer and producer.
Those challenges shaped her belief in authenticity, which she calls the core of her music and identity.
Tems’s experiences inspired her to create The Leading Vibe, a platform that supports women working behind the scenes in music.
The project aims to give visibility to female producers, sound engineers, and managers who rarely receive recognition.
She plans to expand the initiative beyond Nigeria, starting with Kenya, to help more women gain opportunities in a male-dominated industry.
Tems’s journey from being overlooked to leading change shows that staying true to oneself can turn struggle into purpose.