"This Is Where I'm Meant to Be": Tems Talks Her Journey, Fashion & Fame in British Vogue

Tems, the 27-year-old Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, has always had a way with words. Even as a child, she was a quiet girl from Lagos who found her voice in the unlikeliest of places, music. Her story is one of self-discovery, of embracing her true purpose and never looking back. In her recent interview with British Vogue, Tems lets her guard down, revealing the intricacies of her journey, from a struggling artist to a global sensation.

Tems' journey is evidence of the transformative power of music. Growing up in Lagos, she was so quiet that she didn't speak until she was three years old. But music became her lifeline, her escape from the world around her. She started writing songs at nine and sang constantly, much to the frustration of those around her. This unyielding passion for music led her to pursue a career in the industry, despite the initial skepticism of those who knew her. "People were side-eyeing me a lot," she recalls. "I was just like, 'Well I really love this and I know I can do it, and I don't know why I love it so much, but this is where I'm meant to be.'"

For the past five years, Tems has called London home, and it's here that she's continued to hone her craft. Her music has taken on a new dimension, with collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Dave. But it's not just her music that's evolved; Tems has also become a style icon, working closely with her stylist, Dunsin Wright. Her fashion choices are a reflection of her growing confidence, her willingness to take risks and push boundaries. "I'm always writing music, even when I'm not in the studio," she says. "I feel something and then I sing it." This unbridled creativity is evidence of her growth as an artist, one who is unafraid to explore new sounds and styles.

With two Grammys under her belt, a UK number one, and a Billboard Hot 100 debut at the top, Tems is undoubtedly one of the most successful artists of her generation. But despite her impressive achievements, she remains remarkably unbothered by accolades. "I try not to be like, 'Oh, I've got a million awards, and I'm the best thing since sliced bread,'" she says with a laugh. This down-to-earth attitude is a refreshing change in an industry often plagued by ego and hubris. It's evidence of Tems' humility, her refusal to let success go to her head.

As Tems looks to the future, one thing is clear, she's not slowing down anytime soon. She's been working on new music, though she's not giving much away. "I'm more of a project kind of person," she reveals. "I feel something and then I sing it." This intuitive approach to songwriting is a hallmark of her creativity, one that has yielded some of her most memorable hits. With her new music on the horizon, fans are eagerly anticipating what's to come.As we close out this article, it's clear that Tems is far from finished. With her unique blend of style, creativity, and unflinching self-discovery, she's a true force to be reckoned with in the music industry. And as she continues to evolve as an artist, one thing is certain, we'll be watching her every step of the way.