I’ve Achieved More Than I Ever Imagined During My 9–5 Days - Tems

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Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has revealed that she has gone far beyond anything she once imagined for herself. 

The singer made this known during a recent fan Q&A session on X, where she spoke candidly about her journey, her expectations, and the fulfilment she now feels as an artist.

During the session, a fan asked what she was currently looking forward to and whether she had already achieved the dreams she had before fame. Tems responded with a heartfelt message, noting that she has not only reached her goals but surpassed them. 

According to her, “I’m looking forward to whatever the Lord has in store and honestly I’ve achieved beyond my dreams from when I had a 9-5.” The statement immediately resonated with fans, many of whom praised her humility and consistency.

Before becoming one of the most recognisable voices in global music, Tems worked as a digital marketer. She left her job in January 2018 to focus on music full-time. Later that same year, she released her debut single, Mr Rebel, a track that drew early attention and hinted at her unique sound. However, her defining moment came in 2020 when Wizkid featured her on the chart-topping hit Essence. 

The song went on to become a global anthem, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 after the remix featuring Justin Bieber.

The success of Essence marked the beginning of an extraordinary rise. In 2023, Tems made history when she became the first female Afrobeats artist to win a Grammy. She received the award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her work on Future and Drake’s hit single Wait For U. This milestone established her as a global force and expanded the reach of Afrobeats on the world stage.

Two years later, in 2025, Tems added another Grammy to her collection after winning the award for Best African Music Performance. 

With this achievement, she became the only Nigerian artist with multiple Grammy wins, further solidifying her place among the continent’s most successful music exports.

Beyond the Grammys, Tems has also earned international recognition for her songwriting. Her contribution to Rihanna’s emotional soundtrack single Lift Me Up for the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever earned her nominations at both the Oscars and the Golden Globe Awards. These milestones have positioned her as one of the most influential Nigerian artists of her generation.

Reflecting on her journey, Tems said she is simply walking in the path destined for her and is grateful for every milestone. Her story continues to inspire many young creatives who see her transition from a 9-5 worker to a global icon as proof that dreams are valid and achievable.

Tems’ humility, resilience, and authenticity remain hallmarks of her career, and as she looks forward to new opportunities, fans around the world eagerly await the next chapter of her remarkable journey.

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