‘I Just Want to Be Normal’: Tems Discusses Life as a Celebrity

Nigerian artist Tems has opened up about the significant changes fame has brought to her life. As a naturally introverted person, Tems finds it challenging to adjust to the attention of fans and the public.

During a recent appearance on Big Boy TV, she discussed how her rise to fame has affected her daily routine, even making simple activities like driving in Lagos difficult. When asked about her recognition in Nigeria, she said, “I am very famous at home, so I can’t go anywhere.”

This acknowledgement highlights the level of attention she attracts in her home country.

One major issue she faces is the presence of “area boys,” who act as local toughs. Because they are aware of her fame, she can no longer drive herself. Tems recalled a frightening incident from last year when a crowd nearly mobbed her while she was trying to drive alone. As a result, she now requires police escorts both in front of and behind her car for safety. “If I want to drive myself, I need police following me. To feel normal, I have to have escorts. If I want to be behind the wheel, I can’t do it like a normal girl,” she explained.

Tems also discussed her journey in adapting to fame, admitting it hasn’t always been easy. She explained, “I didn’t take it well at first. After some time, I just wanted to be alone and go back to my room.” She struggled with the need to engage in conversations with her team, which felt strange to her since she wasn’t used to such social interactions.

Additionally, she acknowledged that her bluntness sometimes came off as rude. “I wouldn’t say rude, but I’d say things that were obvious, but I wasn’t meant to say them.” This lack of awareness led to some awkward situations as she learned how to navigate her new reality.

Tems said she would confront those who spread rumours about her, not realizing she should handle it differently as a famous person. “When I hear someone say something about me, I’d ask, ‘Do we have a problem?’” she recalled. “Someone told me that I shouldn’t confront people like that.”

Although Tems is a quiet person, she felt a strong urge to clarify misunderstandings, especially involving influential figures in the industry. “Some of these people were big in the industry, so I couldn’t just walk up to them,” she said. Ultimately, she acknowledged, “I had to learn everything from the beginning.” This journey illustrates the complexities of fame and the personal growth that comes with it.