“Be Yourself And Celebrate Your Individuality” Says Tems

Nigerian singer Tems, known for her powerful voice and distinctive style, has once again made waves, this time not with her music but with her advocacy for authenticity and self-expression.

In a recent interview with Essence Magazine’s Karefa Johnson, Tems delved into the importance of staying true to oneself and rejecting societal pressures to conform.

Tems emphasized celebrating individuality rather than suppressing it. She shared her perspective on self-expression, stating, “You should be yourself even if others expect something different from you.”

You win, automatically, when you are yourself, no matter what that looks like. That’s why there’s variety.” Her words highlight a fundamental belief that embracing one’s uniqueness is not only liberating but also essential for genuine self-fulfilment.

During the interview, Tems expressed her frustration with the pressures to conform to specific standards, whether it be in fashion or behaviour. She argued against rigid expectations, explaining, “We’re different and are not all meant to be the same.

And I know there’s a standard, but there shouldn’t be one. There shouldn’t be a standard for what people should dress like if they’re artists, or what people should dress like if they’re women.

I just feel like we’re all unique. There shouldn’t be a requirement. That’s what I mean by standard. There shouldn’t be a requirement or some kind of expectation that you dress a certain way.”

When asked about her role as a role model for self-love and acceptance, Tems expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to authenticity. “I appreciate that that’s what’s coming across.

And I do think people should be themselves. I can’t be anybody else. It’s just not going to work. You are doing yourself a disservice by trying to be someone else.

You should just be who you are. Once you start trying, you’ve already missed the road. That’s a takeaway from how I live my life for sure.”

Tems’ candid reflections serve as a powerful reminder that individuality is something to be celebrated, not constrained.

Her message resonates with many who feel pressured to fit into predefined moulds, encouraging us all to embrace our authentic selves and celebrate the diversity that makes us unique.