Nigerian Grammy-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has shared a raw account of her early struggles in the music industry.
In an interview with Big Boy TV, Tems revealed that as an up-and-coming artist, she was booed off stage and even pelted with plastic bottles because many didn’t connect with her unique sound.
Grammy award winner, Tems
“I remember performing at my school and expecting a standing ovation… but instead, I got booed. They even threw plastic bottles at me,” she recalled.
Despite these humiliating experiences, Tems refused to compromise her originality. She admitted that sticking to her distinctive style—rather than covering popular songs like some of her peers—was a key reason for the initial rejections.
Looking back now, the “Crazy Tings” singer expressed gratitude that she stayed true to herself, proving that perseverance and authenticity eventually pay off.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder to aspiring artists: the journey may be tough, but staying genuine can turn early setbacks into future Grammy wins.
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