‘It Was Really Hard To Get People To Take Me Seriously’ – Tems Opens Up About Her Early Music Struggles
Nigerian global music sensation Tems has opened up about the challenges she faced at the beginning of her career, revealing how difficult it was for people to take her seriously as an artist. The “Free Mind” crooner made this revelation in a recent interview, where she reflected on her journey from obscurity to global recognition.
According to Tems, the road to success wasn’t easy. She shared that many people doubted her talent and vision, often dismissing her dreams as unrealistic. “It was really hard to get people to take me seriously,” Tems said. “When I first started, no one believed in what I was doing. People didn’t think I could make it because my sound was different.”
The Grammy-winning artist explained that her unique style and soulful voice didn’t fit into the typical Afrobeats mold at the time, which made it even harder for her to gain acceptance in the Nigerian music scene. Despite the criticism, Tems stayed true to her art and kept pushing through rejections, studio struggles, and financial challenges.
Her breakthrough came when her song “Try Me” went viral, earning her attention across Africa and beyond. Since then, Tems has worked with global stars like Drake, Wizkid, and Beyoncé, carving a niche for herself as one of Africa’s most respected voices in contemporary music.
Tems emphasized the importance of self-belief and perseverance, urging upcoming artists to stay authentic and patient. “You have to trust yourself even when no one else does. If I had listened to the people who doubted me, I wouldn’t be here today,” she added.
Today, Tems stands as a symbol of resilience and authenticity, inspiring millions worldwide. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that success often comes after a long period of being misunderstood.
