Tems Shares Surreal Experience After Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Drake Reached Out
Nigerian singer and producer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, recently opened up about the moment international superstars Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Drake contacted her following her collaboration with Wizkid on the hit track “Essence.” In an interview with Big Boy TV, the 29-year-old artist explained how this breakthrough moment catapulted her onto the international stage and connected her with some of the most iconic figures in the music industry.
Tems shared that the first message came from Beyoncé’s team in 2020, just as “Essence” started gaining attention globally. Soon after, she received direct messages from both Rihanna and Drake. She recalled, “I never imagined becoming this big. We did ‘Essence,’ and suddenly I started getting messages. Beyoncé’s team reached out, and I was like, ‘God, what’s going on?’” Tems expressed how surreal it felt to hear from artists she had looked up to for years, adding, “These are people who have influenced culture so much for the past decade. It felt like a dream or a prank.”
In addition to her global recognition, Tems spoke about the challenges her fame brings back home. In another segment of the interview, she discussed the difficulty of moving around in Nigeria due to her celebrity status. She explained that driving in Lagos without police escorts is nearly impossible because of the attention she receives. Reflecting on an incident from last December, Tems recounted how she was nearly mobbed by fans while driving, making police escorts necessary for her safety.
Tems’ journey from a rising star to an internationally celebrated artist showcases the power of music to transcend borders. Her experiences highlight the respect and admiration she has garnered within the industry, as well as the challenges that come with such rapid fame. Fans and music lovers around the world are thrilled to witness her continued growth and success.
