Tems: “Be Yourself, Even If Something Else is Expected of You”
In a recent interview with Essence Magazine, Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems opened up about her unique approach to fashion and her message of self-acceptance and authenticity. When asked about her distinctive dress sense, Tems emphasized that her style is a natural outcome of being true to herself, rather than trying to communicate a particular message.
“I think 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 explained.
Tems also addressed the pressure to conform to certain styles, especially for artists and women, stressing that because people are different, there shouldn’t be a standard for dressing. “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 just 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 kind of expectation that you dress a certain way,” she said.
In a world where social media often presents curated versions of ourselves, Tems’ message of authenticity is refreshing and inspiring. As she expressed to Essence Magazine, “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.”
With her unique style and message, Tems is undoubtedly a role model for many young people, especially women, who are seeking to express themselves authentically. As she emphasized, “I appreciate that that’s what’s coming across. And I do think people should be themselves.”
[Image: Tems has become known for her show-stopping outfits and statement pieces [Getty/ARTURO HOLMES]]
The full interview can be found on Essence Magazine’s website.
