Tems has opened up about the bold step that changed her life by quitting her job in digital marketing to pursue music. The Grammy-winning singer said the decision was not easy but she knew deep down that music was her true calling.

In a recent interview with Billboard, Tems explained how she reached a breaking point in her corporate career. “[I quit my digital marketing job because] it got to a point where I couldn’t take anymore. It was really dawning on me like, it’s now or never. I was just putting it off until I developed faith that God will see me through wherever I go,” she said.

She left her job in January 2018. About six or seven months later she released her debut single Mr Rebel, which began to draw attention. Tems added, “Spiritually, I was aware that digital marketing wasn’t my path. I needed to leave this place right now. 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.”

Her instincts were right. Tems rose to fame after being featured on Wizkid’s 2020 global hit Essence. The track peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and gained international recognition.

In 2022 she made history as the first African artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This was thanks to her feature on Future’s Wait 4 U alongside Drake. The song also earned her a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap.

In 2025 she won another Grammy with her solo track Love Me Jeje for Best African Music Performance. Tems’ story shows the power of trusting your instincts and following your true passion.

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