Tems Opens Up On What It Is Like Dealing With Fame In New Conversation With Kendrick Lamar

The singer has likened being famous to what it must feel like to be an animal in a zoo.

In an interview with Kendrick Lamar for Interview Magazine that was recently published, she talked about her recent stardom.

Most fun interview in ages!🕊🕊🕊@kendricklamar
Thank you @InterviewMag https://t.co/AOGSjM7dpy pic.twitter.com/qSldk02QjL

— TEMS (@temsbaby) August 29, 2023

She acknowledged that she experiences the pressure that comes with accomplishment and said that she manages it by being true to herself.

In her words, “When you become more known or seen, it’s very easy to get caught up in, “What do people expect of me now?” But for me, it’s like, “What do I expect of myself now?” Because you’re the one that has to live with yourself, the one that has to sleep with the decisions that you make. Trusting yourself is so key, and I’m not going to stop trusting my guts just because people can see me now. It’s like being in a zoo. The animals don’t change their behaviour just because you’re looking at them. They’re always going to be who they are. So why should I change?”

The Oscar-nominated singer also gave some advice that is applicable to both fans and artists. She claimed that the secret to continuing in the right direction is to keep in mind why you began.

“Yeah, you have to remember how you felt when you started as an artist, to understand the reason you’re doing what you’re doing,” the singer advised. “Yes, it’s to be seen, or to make a name for yourself, but beyond that, why are you doing it? Most of the time, it’s because you have a story to share, a message to give.”

Tems has made significant progress since releasing the For Broken Ears EP in 2020. Since then, she has amassed over one billion Spotify streams, been featured on the soundtrack for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and worked with stars like Drake and Beyonce.