The acclaimed artist behind the hit track ‘Love Me Jeje’ explained that while the decision was far from simple, it was ultimately fueled by a strong sense of divine direction and the deep-seated feeling that digital marketing was not her true calling.
In a candid conversation with Billboard, Tems recounted the six-month waiting period after resigning from her job before she released her debut single, ‘Mr Rabel,’ which garnered initial attention. This period, though perhaps uncertain, proved to be a necessary step in her journey.
“[I quit my digital marketing job because] it got to a point where I couldn’t take anymore," Tems revealed. "It was really dawning on me like, it’s now or never. I was just putting it off until I developed faith that God will see me through wherever I go."
She further elaborated on the spiritual conviction that propelled her decision. "I quit my job in January 2018, I released ‘Mr Rabel’ six or seven months after I quit my job. Spiritually, I was aware that digital marketing wasn’t my path, I need to leave this place right now. It felt really like, life or death. It was like this can make or break your destiny, and you need to make a decision right now. I chose to quit and it worked out.”
Tems' career trajectory took a significant leap when she featured on Wizkid's globally successful 2020 track, ‘Essence,’ which climbed to the No. 9 position on the prestigious Billboard Hot 100 chart, introducing her distinctive voice to a wider international audience.
Her groundbreaking achievements continued in 2022 when she made history as the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart through her collaboration with Future and Drake on the song ‘Wait 4 U.’ This track further solidified her global presence and earned her a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance the following year.
Adding to her accolades, Tems recently secured another Grammy Award this year for her own song, ‘Love Me Jeje,’ in the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category, underscoring her significant impact and growing influence in the global music scene. Her journey from a digital marketing professional to a two-time Grammy-winning artist stands as a testament to the power of following one's true passion and trusting in a higher calling.