I was bullied as a child because of my voice – Tems

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Tems, says she was once dragged because of the tone of her voice.

In a chat with The Cut, the singer disclosed that she did not begin speaking until she was three years old.

She claimed that growing up, she felt self-conscious since her voice did not sound like others.

The singer had previously stated that she began creating music because she did not have any friends.

“I was bullied to tears and ridiculed. This led to an idea that I sounded like a boy or a frog, with the feeling that my voice was unpleasant.

“I was always in my own little world. When I made friends, I would try to get them to perform my songs, and other girls had these sweet, high voices and my voice had a bass.”

Tems has made a reputation for herself in the Nigerian music industry, receiving numerous prizes and recognition.

She rose to international prominence in 2020 after collaborating with Wizkid on the song ‘Essence’.

In February 2023, the singer received her first Grammy.

She won the ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’ award for her role in Future’s 2022 hit song ‘Wait for U’, which features Drake.