Tems Opens Up on Music Journey, Empowering Women and Owning US Football Club

Self-taught Nigerian singer, songwriter, and global music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has opened up about her journey in music, her passion for women’s empowerment, and her growing interest in business beyond entertainment.

In an interview with CNN’s Larry Madowo on the latest episode of African Voices Changemakers, the Grammy-winning artist revealed that she began her music career as a way to express her emotions and share her story.

“I started doing music to share my story and to share my emotions and how I feel,” Tems said.

Now an internationally acclaimed artist, Tems expressed fulfillment in using her platform to open doors for other women across various sectors.

“Maybe it’s because I’m a woman and I remember my journey and all the things I had to go through, but I really want to help women create a tangible space in all industries, especially music,” she stated.
“But not just in music — in entrepreneurship, in tech, in business. I think it’s important, and I want to give women the opportunity to redefine what people know.”

Beyond music, Tems is also making strides in sports as the first African woman to co-own a football club in the United States, San Diego FC. She described the venture as a step toward diversifying her portfolio and exploring new passions.

“I think it’s really important to expand or diversify yourself and your business. And that was the first time I was really interested in something else that wasn’t music,” she explained.

The Free Mind crooner, who made history as the first Nigerian artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, acknowledged that her rise to fame has come with its challenges. However, she continues to navigate the pressures of the industry while staying true to her unique sound.

“Music is like my playground. I just like to experiment,” she said. “I’m listening to so many different sounds and I just notice things that call out to me. I make sure I’m discovering new things all the time, even when I’m not in the studio.”

Tems remains one of Africa’s most influential voices in global music, blending Afrobeat, R&B, and soul in ways that have reshaped modern sound and inspired a new generation of artists.