Nigerian sensation, Tems, a recipient of a Grammy award, has opened up about the distressing ordeal of being bullied for the pitch of her voice during her formative years.
In an illuminating interview with The Cut, Tems shared the poignant revelation that she didn’t start speaking until the age of three. She disclosed how her distinctive voice became a source of self-consciousness, deviating from the norm and leading her to become a target for bullies. “I was bullied to the point of tears and was a target of ridicule. This led to the belief that I sounded like a boy, or a frog, with the impression that my voice was ugly,” Tems expressed.
The artist vividly recalled the emotional impact of the bullying, conveying the deep pain of being ostracized, “I was always in my own little world. When I did make friends, I would try to make them sing my songs and other girls had these sweet, high voices and my voice had a bass.”
Tems’ candid account sheds light on the lasting impact of childhood torment, offering a glimpse into her resilience in the face of adversity. This revelation provides a profound context for her artistry, underlining how her journey as a musician has been intertwined with the quest for acceptance and belonging.
This touching revelation echoes Tems’ previous assertion that her inclination towards making music stemmed from a sense of isolation, highlighting the profound role that creativity and self-expression have played in her life.
By bravely sharing her personal experiences, Tems offers a poignant reminder of the power of resilience, inspiring others to embrace their individuality and overcome the shackles of societal judgment. Her story resonates as a powerful testament to the human spirit, encapsulating the transformative force of self-acceptance and artistic empowerment.
