Tems has revealed why she quit her job as a digital marketer to pursue a career in music.
In a recent interview with Billboard, the Grammy-winning singer said she reached a breaking point in 2018.
Tems described the period as “life or death”, adding that she released her first single six months after she quit her job.
“It just got to a point where I couldn’t take it anymore, and it was really dawning on me like, it’s now or never,” she said.
“I was just putting it off until it was just about having faith that God would see me through wherever I go.
“I quit my job in January 2018, I released ‘Mr Rebel’ in 2018. Same year and in six or seven months after I quit my job.
“Spiritually, I was aware that digital marketing wasn’t my path and I needed to leave this place right now. It felt really like life or death.
“It was like this can make or break your destiny, and you need to make a decision right now. And I chose to take that leap. Yes, it was worth it. I think about it a lot and I’m like, wow. Imagine if I didn’t believe?”
Tems also shared how pivotal her mother’s support was during that time, describing her as the “most rewarding part of my journey”.
“My mum is like my angel. She means a lot to me because we went through it. I was taking care of her because she had broken her leg and I asked her before I quit my job,” she said.
“We were going through a lot at the time and we needed that job and she was like, ‘Yes I think you should go and chase your dreams and try this music thing. You can do it and I believe in you, just do whatever you need to do and don’t worry about me. I’m here for you’.
“Just seeing her over the years do everything she can for me and now seeing her happy everyday. That’s the most fulfilling part of my life. Just being able to make her smile.”
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, started to gain popularity in 2020, courtesy of her collaboration with Wizkid on the song ‘Essence’.
In 2023, she earned her first Grammy for her contribution to ‘Wait For U’, the 2022 hit song by Future featuring Drake.
Tems clinched her second at the 2025 Grammy Awards for the ‘Best African Performance’ category.