Entertainment
“Navigating the Music Business Wasn’t Easy” – Tems Speaks on Her Early Career
Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has opened up about the challenges she faced at the start of her music career.
The Grammy-winning artist, who gained international recognition with her feature on the hit song Essence, revealed that she was quite inexperienced during her early days in the industry.
In an interview with Glamour Magazine Germany, Tems reflected on how her initial approach to the music world was rooted solely in her passion for art.
She admitted that, while her intentions were pure, her understanding of the business side of music was limited.
“Honestly, I was incredibly naive when I first started,” she said.
“I just wanted to create good music and share my art with the world. But I soon realized that navigating the music industry required more than just talent.
It took me time to understand how to manage the business aspects in a way that wouldn’t compromise my well-being.”
Tems’ journey hasn’t been one she walked alone.
She acknowledged the crucial role her management team and her family have played in keeping her centered.
Her mother, who has been a strong influence in her life, and her brother, whom she shares a close bond with, have offered unwavering support.
“My family, especially my mother and brother, are my foundation,” she explained.
“They, along with my management, help me stay grounded through everything.”
Born in Lagos in 1995, Tems grew up with a deep love for music.
Her breakthrough came in 2020 with the release of Damages and her collaboration on Wizkid’s Essence, which propelled her to global fame.
The song earned her a Grammy nomination and solidified her place on the international music scene.
Since then, she has worked with top global artists, including Drake and Future.
The long-awaited trial in the murder case of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur has reached a major development, with Duane “Keffe D” Davis sentenced to 40 years to life in prison on October 13, 2026.
Davis was convicted of first-degree murder in August 2026 for his role in orchestrating the 1996 killing. Tupac was shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996, and died six days later.
During the sentencing, the judge addressed Davis, rejecting his claims that he had changed his life and moved on from his past. “Mr. Davis, for three years, I’ve heard you say some variation of the same thing to law enforcement, [in interviews], in your book, and it’s something like, ‘Yeah, I was involved in this, but I’m different. I’ve moved on. I got out of Compton. I’m a grandfather now.’ I’m here to tell you that’s not how this works,” the judge said.
She continued “You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.
“The world never forgot about him and his death, and neither did Las Vegas. It took us 30 years, but at this time, you are going to face justice for what you did on Sept. 7, 1996.”
Nollywood actor Timini Egbuson has reflected on how his perception of YouTube movies has changed over the years. The actor recalled that there was a time when he looked down on movies released on YouTube.
However, he now appreciates the opportunities they have provided for his career and joked that he might have struggled financially if he had continued to dismiss them.
Sharing his thoughts in a post on X, Egbuson wrote “Can’t believe I was looking down on YouTube movies at some point. Hunger go don kpai me by now.”
Nigerian singer Timi Dakolo has advised young people who are still living with their parents not to rush into moving out because of peer pressure.
The singer encouraged young people to focus on their personal circumstances rather than compare their lives with those of others. He noted that there is no need to leave their parents’ homes simply because they want to feel independent.
Sharing his advice, Dakolo said “No hurry, leave your papa house because of peer pressure. Forget all that, ‘I don’t have my freedom here.’”
Judge Tells Duane Davis He Must Face Justice for Tupac’s Murder
Timini Egbuson Reflects on Embracing YouTube Movies in Nollywood
