Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has shared a deeply personal story about her career transition in an exclusive interview with Billboard magazine. Tems reveals why she decided to quit her digital marketing job in January 2018, a move that ultimately led to the release of her breakout single, “Mr. Rebel,” later that same year. The interview, which has captured the attention of fans and industry insiders alike, offers a glimpse into Tems’ determination and faith in her musical journey.
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In the interview, Tems recounts how she reached a breaking point in her digital marketing job, feeling that it was no longer aligned with her true calling. “It just got to the point where I couldn’t take any more,” she says, emphasizing the urgency she felt to make a change. The decision to quit in January 2018 was not easy, but Tems describes it as a “now or never” moment, driven by a deep sense of faith that “God will see through wherever I’ll go.”
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Her resolve paid off when she released “Mr. Rebel” just six to seven months later, marking the beginning of her rise to international fame. The song, which debuted in 2018, showcased Tems’ unique voice and songwriting prowess, setting the stage for her subsequent successes, including collaborations with global artists and a Grammy win in 2025.
Before becoming a household name, Tems worked in digital marketing, a role that, while stable, did not fulfill her artistic aspirations. The Billboard interview sheds light on this lesser-known chapter of her life, with Tems explaining how the job’s demands clashed with her passion for music. “Somewhere in between, you got a digital marketing job,” the interviewer notes, prompting Tems to share her story of disillusionment and eventual liberation.
The video also includes a nostalgic photo of Tems at a 2017 event, dressed in professional attire and holding a folder, a stark contrast to her current status as a music icon. This image serves as a powerful reminder of her transformation and the courage it took to leave behind a conventional career path.
Since the release of “Mr. Rebel,” Tems has achieved remarkable milestones in her career. Her collaborations with artists like Wizkid, Drake, and Future, along with her solo work, have solidified her position as a leading figure in Afrobeat and R&B. The 2025 Grammy win for Best African Music Performance further underscores her impact on the global music scene.
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In the Billboard interview, Tems reflects on the spiritual awareness that guided her decision to leave her job, describing it as a “life or death” moment that could “make or break her destiny.” Her choice to take that leap of faith has undoubtedly paid off, inspiring countless others along the way.
