Tems Reveals the Alternate Life She Almost Lived — And It’s Nothing Like Fame

Nigerian global sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has once again given fans a rare peek into the version of herself that might have existed if music hadn’t taken over her world. In a recently resurfaced clip from an interview now making rounds on social media, the Grammy-winning singer spoke candidly about what life could have looked like if she hadn’t stepped into the studio, touched a mic, or released the songs that would eventually catapult her to international stardom. Her answer was simple but unexpected: she would have either become an accountant or a mathematics teacher.

It was the kind of revelation that instantly set the internet buzzing—not because Tems isn’t brilliant enough to fit into those professions, but because fans have grown so used to her ethereal sound and soft-spoken charisma that imagining her grading homework or calculating balance sheets seems almost surreal. Yet for Tems, it wasn’t far-fetched at all. She admitted that numbers had always been her thing, long before fame forced the world to recognize the gifts she carries in her voice.

The singer spoke with the calm conviction of someone who had once genuinely considered a life behind a desk rather than on a stage. She recalled how mathematics came naturally to her while growing up, and how she found joy not just in solving problems, but also in explaining them to others. The idea of teaching wasn’t born from a lack of ambition, but from a genuine desire to help people understand something many find difficult. Fans, after learning this, joked online that “Miss Tems the Maths teacher” would have been the crush of half the school—an image that spread with memes and playful comments across X, formerly Twitter.

On the other hand, her mention of accounting felt equally grounded. In a world where artists often talk about wanting to be actors, fashion designers, or athletes, Tems’ alternate plan brought a refreshing sense of realism. She explained that she always envisioned a practical career for herself if the dream of music didn’t materialise. Accounting represented stability, structure, and a clear path—qualities she said she understood and appreciated during her formative years. Her fans found this honesty striking. It reminded people that before the awards, before the sold-out shows, and long before her sultry vocals travelled across continents, Tems was just another young woman trying to carve out a future in a world where dreams don’t always pay the bills.

Many who watched the interview took time to reflect on how drastically a single choice can alter a person’s destiny. In Tems’ case, choosing to chase music was a leap into the unknown, a bold decision that didn’t come with a guaranteed safety net. Had she chosen her comfort zone—had she settled behind a calculator or stood in front of a classroom—there’s a real chance the world might never have heard “Try Me,” “Damages,” or her haunting vocals on Wizkid’s “Essence,” the song that transformed her from a rising singer into a global phenomenon. The thought alone felt startling to fans who cannot imagine the music landscape without her soothing tone and soulful depth.

Since entering the limelight, Tems has become a symbol of originality, resilience, and the power of self-belief. Her revelation about her backup career plan served as a reminder that she didn't come from a place of privilege or certainty. Instead, she came from a world where dreams are often overshadowed by pressure to choose “safe” professions. For many young Nigerians, her story struck a chord. Not everyone has the courage to choose passion over practicality, and Tems’ acknowledgment of that reality made her journey feel even more inspiring.

Her rise, after all, wasn’t instantaneous. She has spoken in several interviews about battling doubt, recording alone in her bedroom, and having to push through moments when the odds seemed firmly stacked against her. At one point, she even considered that music might never go beyond her personal space—that perhaps the world wouldn't connect with her unique sound. Yet she persisted, trusting her voice, trusting her vision, and trusting that the unconventional path could still lead somewhere meaningful.

Now, years later, with a Grammy, a Golden Globe nomination, and collaborations with some of the biggest artists in the world, it’s fascinating to imagine how different things might have been. Would she have worn glasses and carried a lesson plan? Would she have balanced corporate accounts from a cubicle in Lagos? Would she have walked into class each morning with the same quiet confidence she carries on stage? Fans couldn’t help but create playful scenarios online, but underneath the jokes was a deeper layer of admiration—for a woman who dared to choose a future that was uncertain, simply because her heart led her there.

What made her recent revelation even more striking was the sincerity with which she said it. Tems didn’t frame her alternative career choices as inferior or laughable. Instead, she approached the conversation with humility, making it clear that every path, whether glamorous or modest, holds value. To her, teaching isn’t “less than,” and accounting isn’t a fallback for the unambitious. She expressed genuine respect for both professions, acknowledging the important roles they play in society. In doing so, she reminded many young people that chasing a creative dream doesn’t have to come with arrogance or a sense of superiority.

Her honesty also sparked discussions about the importance of seeing yourself in multiple lights. Tems has always been the type of artist who embraces vulnerability, whether through her lyricism or her interviews. This revelation added another dimension to her story: that of a woman who could have excelled in traditional fields, but chose instead to take a chance on her gift. It added a human touch to her global superstar persona, making her feel more familiar, more relatable, and more connected to the everyday struggles of her fans.

As the clip continued spreading online, it became clear that Tems’ simple statement had stirred something deeper in her audience. People shared their own stories of choosing between passion and practicality. Others celebrated the fact that her path led her to music, arguing that the world would have missed out on something extraordinary otherwise. A few teachers chimed in, jokingly welcoming her to “the family” she never joined.

In the end, Tems’ revelation served as both entertainment and inspiration. It reminded fans that even the world’s biggest stars once stood at the same crossroads many people face today. And perhaps that’s what made her statement so powerful. It wasn’t just about mathematics or accounting—it was about the quiet courage behind choosing a dream.

If Tems had followed the safer route, she might have lived a comfortable, predictable life. But by betting on her voice, she stepped into a destiny that continues to unfold in breathtaking ways. And while imagining her solving equations or balancing ledgers brings a smile to many faces, the world is undeniably better for the fact that she chose music instead.