Tems Recalls Being Mocked for Her Voice Before Rising to Global Music Stardom

Nigerian singer and Grammy Award winner Tems has reflected on the challenges she faced early in her musical journey, revealing that classmates and teachers at her former school mocked her voice rather than encouraging her talent.

The singer shared the experience in a feature published by ee72 Magazine, recalling how people around her struggled to accept her singing ability during her school years.

“I wasn’t told I was a good singer. It was more like, ‘How are we gonna tell her that she [can’t sing]?’” she said.

Despite the criticism, Tems continued developing her interest in music, which began when she was nine years old, when she started writing poems and songs.

Music Teacher Helped Build Her Confidence

Tems attended Dowen College in Lagos, where she reportedly faced ridicule from some classmates and teachers over her voice.

Her experience began to change through her interactions with her music teacher, Mr Sosan, who played the piano during school breaks and after classes while she sang.

The sessions gradually helped her build confidence and develop her musical abilities.

By the time the teacher left the school, Tems had made four friends with whom she felt comfortable sharing her music.

Tems Taught Herself Music Production

In 2016, Tems moved to Johannesburg to study economics but remained committed to pursuing a career in music.

She taught herself music production by watching YouTube tutorials and began working on songs that would later introduce her to a wider audience.

After returning to Lagos, she secured a digital marketing job to support herself and finance her musical ambitions. However, meeting her living expenses made saving money for music difficult.

According to the account, a message in her daily devotional in January 2018 encouraged her to leave her job and focus on her musical career.

With limited financial resources, she reportedly borrowed $12 from her aunt to upload her first song to Spotify.

On July 18, 2018, she released “Mr Rebel”, a song she produced herself, marking an important step in her journey as an independent artist.

She later released “Try Me” in 2019, further establishing her presence in Nigeria’s music scene.

‘Essence’ Takes Tems to Global Audience

Tems reached a major international milestone in 2020 when she collaborated with Wizkid on “Essence”.

The song gained worldwide attention, particularly after Canadian singer Justin Bieber joined the remix. The track eventually reached No. 9 on the US Billboard Hot 100, expanding Tems’ international profile.

Her success continued in 2022 when she featured on Future’s “Wait for U”, alongside Drake.

The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Tems the first African artist to feature on a song that debuted at the top of the chart, according to the account of her career.

Grammy Recognition and Further Chart Success

Tems has also earned recognition at the Grammy Awards, winning in 2023 and 2025, according to the supplied account.

Her achievements have strengthened her position among Nigeria’s most internationally recognised contemporary musicians.

In 2026, her collaboration with British rapper Dave on “Raindance” reportedly reached No. 1 on the Official UK Singles Chart, adding another milestone to her career.

From School Criticism to International Recognition

Tems’ journey reflects the challenges she faced while pursuing music despite criticism and financial difficulties.

From writing songs as a child to teaching herself music production and borrowing money to release her early work, her career developed through years of persistence and independent effort.

Her experiences also highlight the influence of encouragement and mentorship in helping young people develop their talents.

The singer’s rise from a young musician struggling to gain confidence to an internationally recognised artist offers a story of perseverance, faith and commitment to personal ambition.

Her account in ee72 Magazine revisits the early doubts surrounding her voice and contrasts them with the international recognition her music has since received.