Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems has revealed why she left her digital marketing job to pursue a career in music. In a recent interview with Billboard, she shared that she felt a strong spiritual calling to make the leap, despite the uncertainty.
Tems explained that she quit her job in January 2018, but waited six months before releasing her first single, Mr Rebel, which gained traction. She described the decision as a “life or death” moment, believing that digital marketing was not her destined path.
Her breakthrough came in 2020 when she was featured on Wizkid’s hit song, Essence, which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. She later became the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 through Future’s song Wait 4 U, featuring Drake.
Tems has since won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best African Music Performance for her song Love Me Jeje in 2025.
