Tems Discusses Her Life Prior To Pursuing Music And Considers Potential Alternative Career Paths

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, recently provided insight into an alternative career path she might have considered if she had not chosen to pursue music.

In a Q&A session with fans on X, Tems mentioned that she could have become a mathematics teacher or an accountant. When asked what her career might have been without music, she stated, “I would have been a mathematics teacher or maybe an accountant.” This response highlighted her strong academic interests in addition to her musical abilities, surprising many fans who primarily recognize her for her artistic work.

Prior to fully dedicating herself to music, Tems worked as a digital marketer. In January 2018, she made the decision to leave her corporate job and concentrate on her music career. Her debut single, Mr Rabel, released in July 2018, garnered local recognition in Nigeria and signaled the start of her ascent in the music industry.

Tems achieved international success in 2020 when she collaborated on Wizkid’s hit Essence. The song became highly popular worldwide, reaching number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 following a remix with Justin Bieber. Her contributions led to widespread recognition and established her as one of Nigeria’s prominent music artists.

“An accountant or a mathematics teacher” — Singer Tems shares what she’d have become if music hadn’t worked out. pic.twitter.com/Zil13abvut

— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) November 26, 2025