31 August 2023

• Tems is a Grammy award winning Nigerian artist

• She has worked with a couple of big names in Hollywood, these include Drake, Rihanna and Beyonce

Grammy award-winning Nigerian songstress Tems is opening up on the pressure that comes with being a big and successful star

The 28-year-old in a candid session with multi-award-winning rapper and philanthropist Kendrick Lamar got in depth about discussion around her newfound fame, the hustle that comes with the success, and how much her life has changed for Interview magazine.

In the newly released interview, Tems highlighted that the more you grow the more the pressure mounts as thoughts of what the outside world and fans think of you envelop one's brain.

“Speaking of the success that you had, do you feel any pressure to conform to what people may expect from you?” asked the Pulitzer prize-winning rapper.

To which Tems replied saying;

"When you become more known or seen, it’s very easy to get caught up in, “What do people expect of me now?' Started off the 'Free Mind' hit-maker.

Tems went on to add that she has learnt to stay grounded and true to her authentic self even with pressure mounting from all corners as at the end of the day it is her life and no one is there to deal with the consequences minus her.

"But for me, it’s like, 'what do I expect of myself now?' Because you’re the one that has to live with yourself, the one that has to sleep with the decisions that you make.

Trusting yourself is so key, and I’m not going to stop trusting my guts just because people can see me now,"

Finishing up Tems likened her mentality to animals caged in a zoo, highlighting that just because the animals are put on display that doesn't stop them from acting like the animals that they are.

"It’s like being in a zoo. The animals don’t change their behaviour just because you’re looking at them. They’re always going to be who they are. So why should I change?

"Yeah, you have to remember how you felt when you started as an artist, to understand the reason you’re doing what you’re doing. Yes, it’s to be seen, or to make a name for yourself, but beyond that, why are you doing it?

Most of the time, it’s because you have a story to share, a message to give." Said Tems as they winded up.

Tems is a globally celebrated artist with an incredible portfolio on her belt.

Some of her notable accomplishments include appearing on the soundtrack to Black Panther's: Wakanda Forever, collaborating with with artists like Drake and Beyonce. as well as co-writing Rihanna's single Lift Me Up, which went on to score an Oscar nomination.

She is currently working on her debut album.