by Peace Umanah — August 21, 2024

In her latest ESSENCE feature, Tems, the Nigerian singer-songwriter, takes readers on a journey from her humble beginnings in Lagos to her rise as a global music icon. Renowned for her soulful voice and introspective lyrics, Tems has captivated fans worldwide, but her fame has never overshadowed her deep connection to her craft.

The ESSENCE article explores how Tems has remained authentic amidst the pressures of the music industry. She candidly discusses the importance of authenticity in her work, sharing how she navigates the challenges of fame while staying grounded in her roots. For Tems, it’s not about the accolades or the spotlight, but about creating music that resonates with her truth and connects with listeners on a profound level.

Remarkably, Gabriella Karefa-Johnson’s conversation with 29-year-old international superstar Tems is a powerful exploration of culture, artistry, and representation, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-expression. Karefa-Johnson, the first Black woman to style a Vogue cover, and Tems, whose meteoric rise in the music industry has captivated global audiences, discuss the unique challenges and triumphs faced by trailblazing women in their respective fields.

Their dialogue delves into the specifics of their journeys, revealing the resilience and determination that propel Black and diasporic women forward. As they share their experiences, Karefa-Johnson and Tems offer insights into the strength required to navigate industries that often demand conformity, inspiring others to pursue their own paths with similar courage and passion.

Beyond fashion and music, their conversation is a heartfelt acknowledgment of the influence and impact these women have on their communities and the world at large. It serves as a compelling call to stay true to oneself, even amidst the pressures of fame, and to continue pushing boundaries in the pursuit of genuine self-expression. Through their shared stories, Karefa-Johnson and Tems remind us of the power of authenticity in shaping not just personal success, but also cultural legacy.

A part of the conversation we found quite unique was when Tems opened up about how she flexes her creativity and does lots of experimentation, making her beautiful style more profound. Notably, in the ESSENCE feature, Karefa-Johnson asked the Afrobeats superstar, Tems: “I would say “sense of style” is a currency that audiences are really interested in these days, and I wonder if your style has evolved as you’ve gained more visibility on the global stage.”

Tems responded by saying; “I feel like with me traveling, meeting different people, exploring and being exposed to new cultures, and just seeing new fashion ideas, I find myself more interested in trying new things. I could see a balloon skirt, and maybe two years ago I would not even be thinking of one. But today that would be interesting. I want to try it. I want to see how I feel in that. So I do a lot of experimentation now, but it has nothing to do with the outside world. It’s just my inner creativity trying to burst out—just waiting to be expressed, really. I just find myself wanting to try new clothes, new styles, new outfits, new hairstyles, just new everything.”

Remarkably, from collaborating with international stars to headlining her own tours, Tems’ journey is a testament to her talent and dedication. Despite her success, she remains “just a girl” from Lagos, focused on her art and unwavering in her commitment to staying authentic. This ESSENCE feature celebrates her artistry, resilience, and the powerful voice she has become on the global stage.

Listen Here: Tems & Asake – Get It Right