Tems On Fame, Fashion And Her Journey From Lagos To The World In British Vogue

Tems is taking stock of a career that has carried her from Lagos to the global stage. In a new interview with British Vogue, the Grammy-winning singer-songwriter discusses the choices, creative discipline and quiet conviction that have shaped one of music’s most distinctive voices.

Photographed by Nadine Ijewere and styled by Jessica Willis, the editorial presents Tems in a series of refined looks from leading fashion houses, highlighting the connection between her evolving musical identity and her expanding presence in fashion.

Photo: British Vogue

The feature also revisits her childhood in Lagos, where she describes herself as exceptionally quiet, revealing that she did not begin speaking until she was three years old. While naturally reserved, music became her earliest form of expression. She began writing songs at around nine years old and spent much of her childhood singing, a habit that continued regardless of attempts to distract her with schoolwork.

The conversation also turns to the artists who have influenced Tems’ creative outlook. She names Frank Ocean and Sade as her dream collaborators, revealing that she has followed Ocean’s music since his SoundCloud days. Tems recalls downloading every song she could find onto an iPod her uncle gave her, while crediting his lyrical approach as a lasting source of inspiration. British Vogue notes that traces of that influence can be heard in her soulful, conversational songwriting, even as she continues to shape a sound that is distinctly her own.

Photo: British Vogue

Since releasing her debut single in 2018, Tems has gone on to become one of Africa’s most celebrated artists. Collaborations with artists including Wizkid, Drake, Beyoncé, Future, Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Dave have expanded her international profile, while her own catalogue has established her as one of contemporary R&B and Afrobeats’ most unique voices. She has earned two Grammy Awards.

Despite those milestones, Tems explains that external validation has never been the driving force behind her career. Rather than measuring success through awards or industry recognition alone, she says her focus remains on creating music that feels authentic to her. That perspective has become one of the defining themes of the British Vogue profile, highlighting an artist whose confidence comes from purpose rather than public approval.

Photo: British Vogue

Fashion occupies an equally important place in the conversation. Working with stylist Dunsin Wright, Tems has cultivated a fashion identity characterised by bold shapes, statement jewellery and luxury labels while maintaining a style that feels distinctly her own.

Away from music and fashion, Tems also discusses the next phase of her career. She reveals that new music is already in development as she continues exploring fresh creative directions. The interview also highlights the mentorship initiative she launched in 2025 to support young African women pursuing careers in music, reflecting a growing commitment to creating opportunities beyond her own success.

Photo: British Vogue

Now based in London, where she has lived for the past five years, Tems describes a life that has changed dramatically from the early days of recording independently in Lagos. Yet the qualities that first defined her career patience, conviction and creative independence remain unchanged. Those values continue to shape every new chapter, whether through music, fashion or the wider cultural conversations she increasingly influences.