Tems Opens Up About Her Evolution From Lagos to Global Stardom in British Vogue

Nigerian superstar Tems has graced the pages of British Vogue with one of her most intimate interviews to date, offering rare insight into the woman behind the voice that’s reshaped contemporary African music. Speaking from her west London flat—her home for the past five years—the two-time Grammy winner reflected on everything from her silent childhood in Lagos to collaborating with music’s biggest names, and why she’s never chased awards despite the accolades that continue to find her.

The journey hasn’t been linear. Tems was a child who didn’t speak until age three, yet music became her unstoppable language. By nine, she was writing songs, singing constantly despite being locked in rooms to do homework. After studying economics in Johannesburg and working in marketing, she made the leap in 2018 that raised eyebrows across her circle. “People were side-eyeing me a lot,” she admitted to Vogue. “I was just like, ‘Well I really love this and I know I can do it… this is where I’m meant to be.'” That conviction has paid dividends beyond measure—her voice now graces tracks with Beyoncé, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Dave, while her own artistry continues to expand boundaries.

On the creative front, Tems revealed she’s been working on new music, though characteristically, she’s keeping details close. What she did share speaks to her artistic philosophy: “I don’t really think I’m a singles kind of artist. I feel like I’m more of a project kind of person.” She’s unbothered by chart positions or Grammy campaigns, noting how many incredible artists exist without such recognition. Her metric for success? How the music makes her feel. That same intentionality extends to her fashion evolution with stylist Dunsin Wright, where she balances comfort with glamour, always ensuring “something that shines”—a nod to her Yoruba heritage. Recent highlights include working with Justin Bieber in the south of France for their collaboration “I Think You’re Special” and joining him at Coachella 2026. Beyond music, she launched a 2025 mentorship initiative supporting young African women in the industry, cementing her role not just as an artist, but as a bridge-builder for the next generation.

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