Nigerian Singer, Tems Speaks On Her Style Of Music

Popular Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, who is better known as Tems, has talked about why she chose the type of music she makes.

The music star spoke about her music career in an interview with Dazed Magazine.

Tems said wanting to be “the first” inspired her style of music.

“I already had music that I liked and I didn’t know I was looking for a sound. But I just thought, before all these songs were made, there was somebody who made this song, started this trend, or started singing like this first. And then other people followed them. I don’t want to be somebody that follows,” she said.

“I don’t want to be the ‘after’ person. I want to be the first. So if I’m going to be the first person, what I bring, there can be nothing like it. One thing I know for sure is I’m the first of my kind, whatever my kind is.

“If I win an award or I’m doing great things for years, and not once do I mention anyone else, [things will] just remain the same.

“Just acknowledging them for the fact that they exist, that they’re putting themselves out there, that there’s another great woman like me, another mad artist like me, is the only way we’re going to make a difference. It won’t happen unless someone with a platform brings it there.”

The award-winning songstress puts out music consisting mostly of R&B, Afrobeats, and Alternative sounds.