Global Sensation Tems Graces British Vogue, Reflecting on Her Stardom and Style Journey!

Nigerian music superstar Tems, a two-time Grammy winner and one of the most compelling voices in contemporary music, was recently featured in a revealing 2026 British Vogue interview spread. Photographed indoors and styled in luxury outerwear, the interview, shot in London where she has resided for five years, offers a comprehensive look at her remarkable journey. It spans from her quiet childhood in Lagos, where she reportedly did not speak until the age of three, to her current status as a global artist whose distinct voice has graced records alongside industry titans such as Beyoncé, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Dave.

The conversation delves into various facets of her life and career, including the new music she has been diligently crafting, the mentorship initiative she launched in 2025 to empower young African women in music, her profound admiration for Frank Ocean, her life in a west London flat, and the distinctive fashion identity she has cultivated in collaboration with her stylist, Dunsin Wright.

Recalling her upbringing in Lagos, Tems describes herself as “mad quiet,” so much so that her initial silence was notable. Despite this, music became an inseparable part of her existence. She began writing songs around the age of nine and sang incessantly at home, often to the mild exasperation of her family. As she puts it, while they could enforce homework, they could never deter her from singing.

Before dedicating herself entirely to music, Tems pursued academic studies in economics in Johannesburg and later worked in marketing. Her decision in 2018 to leave her corporate job to chase her musical aspirations was not universally applauded. She candidly shares, “People were side-eyeing me a lot,” but her conviction remained unshaken. “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.'”

On the subject of new music, Tems remains somewhat elusive but confirms she is quietly working on fresh material. She emphasizes her continuous creative process, stating, “I’m always writing music, even when I’m not in the studio. I feel something and then I sing it.” She identifies herself as a “project kind of person” rather than a singles artist, indicating a preference for cohesive bodies of work. The new compositions, she notes, are making her “feel good.”

Despite her numerous accolades, which include two Grammys, a UK number one hit, and a Billboard Hot 100 debut at the top, Tems maintains a remarkably grounded perspective on awards. She consciously avoids the pressure of chasing specific achievements, acknowledging that many deserving artists may not receive such recognition. For Tems, the intrinsic enjoyment and personal satisfaction derived from a song are paramount, transcending external validation.

The interview also touched upon her high-profile collaborations. Last year, Justin Bieber personally flew Tems to the south of France for recording sessions for his album SWAG, which ultimately led to their collaboration on “I Think You’re Special.” Bieber later invited her to perform on stage at Coachella in April 2026, an experience Tems remembers fondly, describing him as a “sweetheart” and a “great person.”

Her fashion identity, meticulously curated with stylist Dunsin Wright, balances comfort with high glamour, depending on the occasion. She has been photographed in pieces from designers such as Dilara Findikoglu, Ellie Misner, Luis de Javier, and Ozwald Boateng. While she often prioritizes comfort, Tems always makes room for a touch of extravagance, noting, “They say Yoruba women like bling, so I always have to have something that shines.” Her British Vogue photoshoot showcased this versatility, featuring her in a patterned Chanel patchwork lambskin coat, a cream Dior draped silk dress, a red Givenchy open-back silk top, and a mustard-yellow ruffled tiered dress by Saint Laurent, complemented by various ornate accessories.