Tems: ‘I Would Have Been a Mathematics Teacher or Accountant’

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, recently revealed that if music had not worked out, she could have pursued a career as a mathematics teacher.

During a Q&A session with fans on X, the Grammy-winning singer shared insights into her academic interests and life beyond music.

When asked what career she might have chosen, Tems replied, “I would have been a mathematics teacher or maybe an accountant.”

Before fully committing to music, Tems worked in digital marketing, but in January 2018, she made the bold decision to leave the corporate world and focus entirely on her musical career.

She released her first single, Mr Rabel, in July 2018, which drew local attention for her unique sound and emotive vocals.

Her global breakthrough came in 2020 when she featured on Wizkid’s hit ‘Essence’, which became a worldwide sensation.

The remix featuring Justin Bieber reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing Tems as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated music stars.

Fans reacted with amusement and admiration, joking about her potential classroom skills and imagining what it would have been like attending her math classes.