Tems: From Grammy Glory to the Silver Screen - A Star's Desire to Act

17 January 2024

[Tems/Complex]

Written by Pharis Kinyua

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Tems, the Grammy award-winning Nigerian songstress and songwriter, is no stranger to conquering new horizons. With a string of impressive accolades in her musical career, including a Grammy win and chart-topping collaborations with global superstars, she now sets her sights on yet another thrilling venture - acting.

This ambitious crossover is a testament to her multifaceted talent and determination to explore new creative avenues.

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, burst onto the international music scene with her soulful and entrancing melodies. Her songs are poetry, and her voice is like a divine gift. Her rise to fame was swift, and she continues to captivate audiences around the world with her exceptional musical prowess. The world treats her as a music phenomenon, showering her with praise, awards, and opportunities that only a select few artists could dream of.

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In a recent interview with BBC Capital Xtra London, the 28-year-old artist shared her desire to embark on an acting career. Tems exuded confidence, noting that she believes she possesses the necessary acting skills, even though she has not yet had the chance to prove herself in the world of cinema.

Her enthusiasm for acting is palpable as she eagerly contemplates the characters she would excel in, particularly expressing her interest in portraying a single mother, whether a fun-loving one or a mysterious gangster. The idea of seeing Tems grace the silver screen is undoubtedly tantalizing, given the depth of emotion and storytelling she infuses into her music videos.

Tems have a track record of breaking barriers and making history. She was the first Nigerian artist to earn an Oscar nomination, thanks to her contribution to Rihanna's single 'Lift Me.' Furthermore, she became the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy, a momentous achievement that elevated her to a new level of international acclaim. Her music journey is a testament to her unparalleled artistry and the way the world reveres her for it.

However, the path to success was not without its challenges. Tems revealed that early on, she was advised to conform to the Afrobeat genre, a style synonymous with Nigerian music.

Many tried to box her into a category that did not align with her artistic vision. Nonetheless, her unwavering determination led her to stay true to herself and her unique sound, even in the face of naysayers. She decided that she would not compromise her artistry for the sake of popularity. Her focus was on creating music that allowed her to pour her heart out, regardless of the challenges or the reception it received.

Tems's journey into music began with the love she developed for it at an early age. Celine Dion's emotive ballads were her initial inspiration. Her soul resonated with the deep emotions conveyed in Dion's songs, and she knew that music was where her heart truly belonged. She started writing songs as a young teenager, an early sign of her remarkable talent and passion for the art form. Even though those early compositions were not full songs, they were a reflection of her budding creativity.

Music quickly became an integral part of her life, a source of vitality that breathed life into her soul. Her infatuation with music intensified, and she eagerly absorbed everything she could. Destiny's Child's music, especially the captivating allure of a fake CD with an astonishing 30 songs, became her muse. Tems learned every song, immersing herself in the art and craft of music.

Tems's pursuit of a career in R&B, a genre that is not always associated with Nigerian culture, was met with skepticism. Many around her advised her to conform to Afrobeat, a more popular genre in Nigeria. However, Tems remained resolute in her artistic vision, preferring to follow her passion rather than compromise her artistry for commercial success. Her determination paid off, as she continued to be a trailblazer in the industry.

Her journey is one of unwavering dedication to her craft. She has graced the international stage, collaborated with global icons like Drake and Beyonce, and co-written songs that have earned Oscar nominations. She has made history and broken barriers, showing the world the exceptional talent that resides within her. Now, as she ventures into acting, she carries with her the same spirit of creativity, resilience, and determination that have made her a celebrated artist.

Tems is embarking on a new chapter in her artistic journey. Her foray into acting is a thrilling development that promises to introduce her unique charisma and talent to the world of cinema.