Before the world knew her as the soulful voice behind *Essence* and the Grammy-nominated artist with a global following, Tems was just a young woman quietly trying to balance expectation and passion. In a candid reflection, the Nigerian singer-songwriter opened up about her early struggles with the academic path many expected her to follow. “I never really loved school, but I’m that one person who’s very sensitive to people’s feelings.” With someone sacrificing to fund her education, Tems didn’t rebel. She honored their effort the best way she knew how. “There was someone paying my fee, and I just told myself, let me go to school, get the degree, and hand it over to them, let me make them proud.” She did exactly that. She earned the degree, not as a ticket to her future, but as a symbol of appreciation. Deep down, she knew her soul was wired differently. “This is the degree, but just let me do my music.” After graduation, Tems briefly worked in marketing, like many young graduates in search of stability. But something inside her remained unsettled. Her true calling, music kept whispering louder. “In January 2018, I quit the marketing job and started dropping music.” No grand announcements. No backup plan. Just faith and conviction. “I had faith in God, so I left everything in His hands.” Tems’ story isn’t just about career, it’s about boundaries. About learning to honor others without betraying yourself. “I always try to consider others’ feelings, but I also love what makes me happy.” That line captures the tension many young creatives feel, torn between duty and desire, approval and authenticity. Today, Tems is celebrated not just for her hauntingly beautiful voice, but for her boldness to choose herself. From humble beginnings to collaborating with global icons like Wizkid, Drake, and Beyoncé, her journey proves that you don’t have to hate the people who expect something from you, just don’t forget to choose you too.