Nigerian singer Tems has opened up about her evolving style and the importance of authenticity in self-expression. In a recent interview with Karefa Johnson from Essence Magazine, Tems highlighted that her distinctive dress sense is a natural extension of her true self, rather than a deliberate attempt to convey a specific message.
The singer explained, “You should be yourself even if something else is expected of you. You win, automatically, when you are yourself, no matter what that looks like. That’s why there’s variety.” She addressed the pressure faced by artists and women to conform to certain style standards, emphasizing that individuality should be celebrated.
Tems stated, “We’re different and are not all meant to be the same. And I know there’s a standard, but there shouldn’t be one. There shouldn’t be a standard for what people should dress like if they’re artists, or what people should dress like if they’re women. I feel like we’re all unique. There shouldn’t be a requirement. That’s what I mean by standard. There shouldn’t be a requirement or some expectation that you dress a certain way.”
When asked if she recognizes her role as a positive influence in promoting self-love and acceptance, Tems expressed gratitude for being seen as a role model. She reiterated her commitment to authenticity, stating, “I appreciate that that’s what’s coming across. And I do think people should be themselves. I can’t really be anybody else. It’s just not going to work. You are doing yourself a disservice by trying to be someone else. You should just be who you are. Once you start trying, you’ve already missed the road. That’s a takeaway from how I live my life for sure.”