Afrobeats star Tems made a return to Nairobi this past weekend at Blankets & Wine, and the city is still buzzing.
Her performance split opinion—some fans were spellbound by her raw, soul-stirring delivery and magnetic stage presence, while others left feeling short-changed.
But whether praised or critiqued, one thing remains undeniable: Tems is a force. Her voice, her presence, and her story continue to command attention far beyond the stage, cementing her as one of the most compelling artists of her generation.
Nigerian singer Tems performs during the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
"So much has changed in my life in the last few years…it’s mind-blowing. I remember when I released my first song in 2018, I couldn’t afford the $12 (Sh1,500) to upload it on YouTube, so I had to call my aunt in America for help.
Now, I have achieved things beyond my expectations. Things have been moving so fast for me, with appearances at the Grammys, topping charts, and other high-profile events. I just flow with the adventure.
I wanted this kind of success so badly. I once said I would die trying to make good music that would reach many and make a living out of it, but I didn’t think I was capable of being this famous.
Dealing with fame is so funny. I am learning to find the fun in it. I find it interesting when people take things that I do or say so seriously, even when I am just chilling or goofing. I just try not to pay too much attention.
Fame has changed some aspects of my life. For instance, I can no longer go to the grocery store without attracting attention.
Nigerian singer Tems performs during the Blankets and Wine event held at Laureate Gardens in Nairobi on September 28, 2025.
Photo credit: Bonface Bogita| Nation Media Group
I have even tried wearing caps as a disguise when walking on the streets alone, but people still recognise me.
After graduating, I got a low-paying job but after a few months, I felt it wasn’t working so I quit and began exploring music.
Writing Lift Me Up for Rihanna (Wakanda movie soundtrack) just happened. I wasn’t expecting it. The acting crew came to Lagos and I was told that the crew kept playing my music on set and they were insisting to Ryan Coogler (Wakanda director) that Tems has to do the soundtrack. That’s how I was picked.
I wouldn’t say Lift Me Up is the biggest song I've ever written. I think it felt big because of what it was used for. It was a sound track to Black Panther Forever, a big movie. It was also the theme song at the memorial of the late Chadwick Boseman (lead actor in Black Panther). It was also huge because Rihanna sang it, but it wasn’t the best work I’ve ever done."
