Tems Shares She Would Have Been A Teacher If Music Hadn’t Taken Over

Tems, the internationally acclaimed Nigerian singer-songwriter, shares a fascinating journey that intertwines academic ambition with artistic passion.

Born Temilade Openiyi, she attended Dowen College in Lagos, a place where her musical talents first began to shine under the guidance of a perceptive music teacher who taught her piano and nurtured her falsetto voice.

Despite facing bullying during her secondary school years due to her distinctive voice, Tems remained steadfast, practicing singing alongside her brother who played guitar, cultivating a deep love for music from a young age.

Her academic path led her to Johannesburg, South Africa, where she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics at what is now called The IIE MSA (formerly Monash University South Africa).

While studying economics, Tems balanced her time with music creation, teaching herself music production through YouTube tutorials. This self-taught skill became a vital part of her artistry, allowing her to produce her own unique blend of soulful melodies fused with Afrobeat rhythms.

Tems’ debut single “Mr. Rebel,” released in 2018, was fully self-produced, marking the beginning of her professional music career after she courageously left her digital marketing job to focus entirely on music.

Tems has described that had music not taken over her life, she would have become a mathematics teacher or an accountant given her strong academic inclinations towards numbers and education.

This alternative career perspective highlights the remarkable duality of her talents — excelling in both academics and music.

However, her decision to embrace music has catapulted her to worldwide recognition, especially after her feature on Wizkid’s 2020 global hit “Essence,” which gained platinum certification and charted internationally, solidifying her as a transformative figure in contemporary African music.

With multiple critically acclaimed projects, including the EPs “For Broken Ears” and “If Orange Was a Place,” Tems has not only redefined what it means to be an African artist on the global stage but also highlighted her journey from a young girl with dreams of teaching to an independent artist shaping sound and culture.

Her story exemplifies resilience, determination, and the power of following one’s passion while carrying forward the discipline and knowledge from her academic background.

In summary, Tems’ education in economics and early musical experiences set a firm foundation for her success, but had her path diverged, she would likely have thrived as a mathematics teacher, showing that her talents extend beyond the stage into the classroom. This blend of intellect and art continues to define her unique impact on the global music scene.