Tems: How varsity experience helped me become who I am

Tems says her experiences as a university student prepped her for her status as a musician.

The alternative R&B star was speaking to H0t97 FM on why she undertook an undergraduate degree in Economics.

The songstress graduated from The Independent Institute of Education — formerly called Monash University College — in Johannesburg, South Africa some years ago.

In the interview, Tems said she is yet to use her certificate. She also said that her undergraduate years readied her for a “big break”.

“I think the experience in uni helped me become who I am today. It was a whole world of its own and different things happen there. It was like a preparation for me; for the whole chaos that is happening now,” she said.

“University was crazy for me. I just learned how to stay chilled. Where I’m from, you had to do something serious that would make you money. Academics was like a big thing. Everyone had to go to school; get a high-paying job.

“I decided I was going to do Economics, bang it out, and get my life [in music] when I graduate. It was so I would always have a backup plan. For once, I’ve neither used that degree [certificate] nor sent it to an employer.”

Tems earlier released ‘If Orange Was A Place’, her second extended play (EP), featuring Brent Faiyaz, US singer.

She also featured in ‘Certified Lover Boy’, the latest studio album by Drake, the American rapper-cum-producer.

The 26-year-old gained international acclaim for her effort on ‘Essence’, a chart-topping hit song by Wizkid.

In August, the track hit 16th place on Billboard Hot 100, having become the first Nigerian song to crack the chart.