Tems Reveals the Unexpected Career She Would Have Pursued if Music Had Failed — and Fans Are Shocked

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, globally known as Tems, has stunned fans with a surprising revelation about the life she might have lived if her music career hadn’t taken off. In a candid moment during a recent Q&A session with fans on X, the “Essence” hitmaker peeled back yet another layer of her journey, offering a rare glimpse into the alternate paths she once considered. Her response sparked widespread conversation online, not just because of what she said, but because of how drastically different her life could have been.

Tems, whose soulful sound and unmistakable voice have made her one of Africa’s most influential artists, was asked a simple but deeply revealing question: “What would you be doing today if you didn’t end up in music?” Her answer came with her usual calm confidence but carried the weight of a personal truth many didn’t see coming. “I might have been an accountant or a mathematics teacher,” she replied—an admission that instantly went viral.

For an artist celebrated for creativity, emotional vulnerability, and unconventional artistry, the idea of Tems teaching equations or balancing financial books caught many fans completely off guard. But for those who have followed her journey closely, the revelation fits perfectly into the narrative of a young woman who has always been grounded, disciplined, and methodical—traits often overshadowed by her global stardom.

Before the awards, world tours, Coachella stages, Billboard-charting hits, and Grammy spotlight, Tems lived a very different life. She once held a job as a digital marketer, a period she described in earlier interviews as one of the most intense and defining phases of her life. By 2018, she found herself at a breaking point. The expectations of a traditional career path clashed with the relentless pull of her artistic calling. It was then she made what she famously called a “life or de@th” decision—to leave her job and pursue music full-time.

Her resignation wasn’t glamorous or lined with any guarantee of success. In fact, it was a leap taken at a time when she was grappling with fear, uncertainty, and financial instability. But that leap, fueled by faith and an unwavering sense of purpose, became one of the most important turning points of her life. Looking back, many fans see her recent revelation not just as a comment on hypothetical careers but as a reminder of how close the world came to missing out on one of the most distinctive musical voices of this generation.

Tems’ comment also reignited conversations about the brilliance many fans always believed she had beyond the studio. The idea that she once considered mathematics—a subject often associated with precision, logic, and discipline—aligns with the thoughtful intentionality behind her music. Tems has never been one to follow trends. Her sound, often described as haunting, soulful, and raw, carries the sort of depth that suggests a mind that thinks far beyond the surface. To many, imagining her in front of a classroom, explaining equations with that soft but commanding voice, suddenly didn’t seem so strange.

On social media, reactions ranged from amused to deeply inspired. Some fans joked about how lucky her “future students” would have been, while others reflected on the beauty of her journey and how drastically life can change with one bold decision. A few even admitted they would have paid more attention in school if Tems had been their mathematics teacher. But beneath the humor was a serious sense of appreciation—a recognition of the quiet resilience that shaped her rise.

Tems’ rise is not only a testament to her talent but to the courage it takes to walk away from a predictable path and chase a dream that feels almost impossible. Leaving a job in digital marketing in Lagos, a city where stability is often prized over passion, remains one of the bravest moves she has ever made. But as her global success shows, some risks are worth taking. Today, she stands as one of Nigeria’s most decorated contemporary artists, a woman whose influence has transcended borders. Her collaborations with global artists—from Wizkid to Drake, Beyoncé, Future, and Rihanna—have cemented her status as a generational talent.

Yet, even with international acclaim, Tems continues to be a symbol of authenticity. Her revelation about nearly becoming a mathematics teacher serves as a reminder that even global stars have crossroads, uncertainties, and side passions that never make the spotlight. It also resonates with young Nigerians navigating their own difficult choices, torn between conventional careers and creative dreams.

Her story echoes the experiences of countless youths who feel pressured to pursue “safe” professions while quietly nursing artistic aspirations. In a country where talent often blooms against adversity, Tems’ journey stands as proof that destiny does reward courage. Had she not taken that risky step in 2018, the world may never have heard “Try Me,” the breakout song that redirected her life. There may never have been a Grammy, no global tours, no chart-topping collaborations, no iconic moments on international red carpets. Instead, she might have been marking scripts or calculating budgets somewhere in Lagos.

But the beauty of Tems’ revelation lies not in what could have been, but in what is. Her career has become a powerful symbol of what happens when raw talent meets intentional effort. And while fans are both amused and fascinated by the thought of her solving equations, they are even more grateful that music found her—and that she embraced it fully.

As reactions continue to pour in across social platforms, one thing is clear: Tems’ journey is far from accidental. It is the story of a young woman who recognized her gift, fought through early struggles, and allowed her truth to guide her. Today, she stands not just as a Grammy winner but as a voice of a generation—proof that even the most unexpected dreams can come true when passion meets purpose.

Her message, wrapped in a simple Q&A response, resonates deeply: sometimes the life you almost lived makes the life you’re living even more extraordinary.