“Before international recognition, Grammy wins and chart-topping success, Nigerian singer Tems faced criticism over the very voice that would eventually captivate audiences around the world.
While attending Dowen College in Lagos, Tems reportedly faced ridicule from classmates and teachers over her singing. Rather than give up, she continued writing music, encouraged by a teacher who believed in her talent.
She later moved to Johannesburg to study economics while teaching herself music production through online tutorials. According to the story shared by I Discover Stars TV, she even needed help from her aunt to pay the reported $12 fee to release her first song, “Mr Rebel,” in 2018.
Her breakthrough came with “Essence,” her collaboration with Wizkid, which later reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 after the Justin Bieber remix. In 2022, Tems made history when “Wait for U,” featuring her alongside Drake on Future’s track, debuted at No. 1 on the same chart.
Her journey is a reminder that early rejection does not have to define your future. Sometimes, the very thing people criticize becomes part of what makes you stand out.
Tems kept singing. And the world eventually listened.
Source: @IDiscoverStarsTV”
