Grammy-winning Nigerian RnB singer and songwriter Tems has revealed that she struggled with recognition as a producer and singer in the early stages of her music career.

According to her, experiences made her feel unsafe, overlooked and unsupported.

In a recent interview with CNN, Tems shared, “It was really hard to get people to take me seriously, not just as a producer, but as a singer. I didn’t feel safe, and I didn’t feel seen, and I didn’t feel supported for a very long time.”

It was tough for her at the time due to her belief that authenticity was the foundation for her to excel,

“Authenticity is everything to me. That’s the only thing I cannot compromise on because that’s all that I have, who I really am,”the singer said.

Nonetheless, she has now grown to a point where she channels her influence through the Leading Vibe initiative, aimed at supporting women behind the scenes in the music industry.

The project provides them with the skills, resources, and networks they need to grow in their careers. It also seeks to reduce the gender imbalance in the industry by helping women rise and earn the recognition they deserve.

Tems revealed that she intends to expand The Leading Vibe to Kenya as part of efforts to empower more women and change the story of women in musice next destination, to empower more women and redefine the narrative of women in music.

Nigerian Grammy Award-winning singer Temilade Openiyi, affectionately addressed as Tems, has set a record as the first African artist to perform at the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show.

The tournament held on Sunday night at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the US, saw Tems offer a stunning display while singing her hit track “Love Me JeJe” alongside a group of yellow- and white-clothed choreographers.

She performed alongside global stars like Doja Cat and J Balvin, with surprise appearances from Coldplay and Emmanuel Kelly.

The show was co-produced by FIFA and Global Citizen. The performance opened with J Balvin’s hits “Mi Gente” and “Reggaeton,” followed by Tems’ Grammy-winning track.

The conclusion of the revamped, expanded Club World Cup was attended by 81,118 people at MetLife Stadium.

This year’s Club World Cup is the first to feature 32 teams and 48 games.

The expansion featured four African countries: Al-Ahly of Egypt, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa, Tunisia's Esperance Sportive de Tunis, and Morocco's Wydad Casablanca.

Chelsea played against PSG in the finals and triumphed by 3-0, which was a surprise to many given the French club's heavy win against Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The Blues secured their second Club World Cup title following Palmer’s brace, and the other goal came from the 43rd minute, João Pedro.

Palmer was awarded the best player of the night, winning the Golden Ball, and Robert Sanchez won the Golden Glove for best keeper.

Chelsea earned a record-breaking $123 million in total, including a $40 million bonus for winning the final.

She drew global attention to the vast and diverse world of African music, urging fans and listeners to explore beyond just Afrobeats.

Speaking during an interview with Fashion Bomb Daily at the 2025 Met Gala held on May 5, Tems emphasized that while Afrobeats has gained massive international recognition, it only scratches the surface of Africa’s musical landscape.

“I feel like we can go further in every single aspect of sound. We’re not just like Afrobeats,” Tems said. “There’s Amapiano, there’s Afrosoul, there’s R&B, there’s Afro Jazz. There are so many genres in Africa that people have not fully tapped into yet.”

Tems, known for her soulful and genre-blending music, has often infused elements of R&B and Afrosoul in her work—demonstrating the musical richness she speaks of. Her call to action highlights the need for global audiences to open up to the broader spectrum of African sounds that reflect different emotions, cultures, and stories across the continent.

She added that Africa’s musical identity is not monolithic and deserves a deeper appreciation that goes beyond what’s trending on global charts.

Tems’ comments come at a time when more African artists are gaining international exposure and redefining the soundscape of world music. Her words serve as a reminder that Africa is not just a contributor to global music trends but a wellspring of original, evolving genres waiting to be discovered and celebrated.

Her statement has sparked renewed conversations online, with many music lovers echoing the need to explore and support the diversity within African music.

Months ago, Tems, grew weary of unsolicited comments about her body over the past seven years in the public eye.

She shared an unapologetic message on X, addressing the constant critique of her physical appearance, particularly her curves.

"I never thought I’d need to say it but you are all weird. “It’s small, it’s flat, it’s fat.” Dog ITS MINE," the singer wrote.

Fans have frequently demanded to see her body, with phrases like "“Show us your bumbum” becoming a common request.

Tems responds with a playful defiance saying, "So me too, I will turn and say 'see Nah show ME yours first?? See how that feels?"

Despite the pressure, the "Love Me Jeje" hitmaker makes it clear that her body is just what it is.

Stressing that, "it is just a body, I will add and lose weight." Adding that her freedom to exist is her topmost concern.

She has never hidden her body, but she is no longer willing to justify anything to anyone.

"The more you don't like my body, the better for me actually. But it is enough now, move on from my bum."

Adding his voice to the matter, Tems' manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, warned critics against disrespecting his artistes, Tems, Omah Lay (Stanley), and Lekan.

According to him, he is not perturbed by personal attacks, however, he will not hesitate to deal with anyone who disrespects his clients.

“Said it before and I’ll say it again. Insulting me? I’m fine with it. But if you insult Temi, Stanley or Lekan? We will have a problem. ‘Till next time, bye for now,” he wrote.