‘I used to steal food’ — Tems recalls struggles after quiting job for music

Temilade Openiyi, the Nigerian singer better known as Tems, has opened up on her struggles after she left her job to pursue music.

In a recent interview with GQ magazine, Tems said she quit her job as a digital marketer in 2018 because it made her “depressed”.

The ‘Damages’ crooner said the decision to leave her job also took a toll on her as she started struggling financially.

Tems said it became difficult to support her family. She added that “I couldn’t take care of anybody.”

The singer said there were times she used to steal food to eat during her struggles.

“There were times when I was not just broke – I was broke and hopeless. I used to steal food. I used to go to my aunty’s house just so she could give me food to take home,” she said.

“I just felt like, What is the point of me existing right now? You have to remember those times. Because that person does not exist anymore.”

Tems added that she refused to give up on herself at the time and resolved to become the best version of herself as a musician.

“The decision I made was to not wallow in sadness. I didn’t have any self-esteem. I didn’t think I was pretty,” she added.

“I didn’t even think of my voice as anything. I just thought, There are so many people that can sing, I’m not a model, I don’t dance, but whatever chance I have, I’ll take it.

“Even if I end up singing under a bridge somewhere, I’ll be the best under-the-bridge singer ever.”