genre Afrobeats

Billboard cover star Tems is diving into the trajectory of her career, balancing her personal life and breaking records. Plus, she teases new music, lists her favorite songs she’s put out, talks her involvement with San Diego FC, how representation has evolved in the music industry, the challenges of fame, her future goals and more.

What’s your favorite Tems song? Let us know in the comments!

Heran Mamo:

Well, I’m so excited to be here with you.

Tems:

Me too. 

I mean, this is the fourth time we chatted. But you know, much bigger occasion. Super happy. In person, in London, where you live.

In London, yeah. 

So how long have you lived in London?

I’ve lived in London for about three years now.

And your family moved here when you were a baby, correct? 

Yes. My dad still lives here. Actually, I was raised in Lagos. Still. I didn’t stay here too long when I was a baby.

Obviously Lagos is still considered home. 

Oh yeah, for sure. 

I remember, I think I was watching your Vogue France video when you’re getting ready for the Jacquemus show, and you’re talking about, like, your Pilates class and how, like, you have to keep changing them, because of people recognizing you and you’re like, not even booking under your real name. How do you maintain a sort of normal-ish routine?

The way I am naturally is, I wouldn’t say it’s routine-based, but I find joy in, you know, quiet and having my own time, and I just keep my life private, like my private life private and my public life public.

How has your relationship with your fame evolved over the years and making sure you’re still maintaining that peace?

At least when I first started, there’s a lot of things I wasn’t comfortable with. I’m hypersensitive to a lot of things, so everything was uncomfortable. I just love music. You know, I was always focused on my art and just putting on music.

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