Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has revealed the pivotal moment when she decided to abandon her career in digital marketing to pursue her passion for music.

In a recent interview with Billboard, the 'Love Me Jeje' hitmaker described her career transition as a difficult but necessary decision guided by spiritual conviction.

"It got to a point where I couldn't take anymore. It was really dawning on me like, it's now or never," Tems explained. "I was just putting it off until I developed faith that God will see me through wherever I go."

The singer quit her digital marketing job in January 2018 and released her first single, 'Mr Rabel,' approximately six months later. She described the decision as a defining moment that felt like "life or death" for her destiny.

"Spiritually, I was aware that digital marketing wasn't my path. I need to leave this place right now," she recalled. "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."

Rise to Global Fame

Tems' career took a significant turn when she featured on Wizkid's 2020 global hit, 'Essence,' which peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, bringing her international recognition.

Her success continued to soar in 2022 when she became the first African artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart through Future's song, 'Wait 4 U,' which featured her and Drake. This collaboration earned her a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap the following year.

Earlier this year, Tems added another Grammy to her collection when her song 'Love Me Jeje' won the award for Best African Music Performance, further cementing her place in music history as one of Nigeria's most successful international artists.

Tems' journey from quitting her corporate job to becoming a globally recognized artist serves as an inspiration to many young Nigerians pursuing careers in creative industries, highlighting the importance of faith and determination in following one's passion.