Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, has revealed the reason behind her debut album’s delay in 2021. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Tems explained she underwent surgery and a lengthy recovery period due to a serious illness.
This unexpected health issue forced her to push back the album’s release. Tems, who found global success after featuring on Wizkid’s hit song “Essence” in 2020, opted to release her second EP, “If Orange Was a Place,” instead.
The experience of overcoming illness became a source of inspiration for Tems’ new music. She described the themes as embracing life’s challenges with a warrior spirit. “Being a warrior is about not giving up,” Tems said. “Even if they cut your leg, you walk on your knees, you fight on your knees using what you have, and that’s good enough.”
Tems went on to discuss her overall music, which she says grapples with contrasting themes like control and freedom,tension and release.