I used to steal food before stardom – Tems

Nigerian singer and record producer, Temilade Openiyi, has said she had to work on her self-esteem before hitting the limelight.

In a chat with GQ magazine, the songwriter said that she didn’t become an overnight sensation as she faced financial difficulties at some point in her life.

She said, “I couldn’t take care of anybody. There were times when I was not just broke – I was broke and hopeless. I used to steal food. I used to go to my aunty’s house just so she could give me food to take home.

“I just felt like, What is the point of me existing right now? You have to remember those times. Because that person does not exist anymore.

“The decision I made was to not wallow in sadness. This person that can never be anything. I didn’t have any self-esteem. I didn’t think I was pretty. I didn’t even think of my voice as anything,” she said.

“I just thought, There are so many people that can sing, I’m not a model, I don’t dance, but whatever chance I have, I’ll take it. Even if I end up singing under a bridge somewhere, I’ll be the best under-the-bridge singer ever.”