Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has shared how American rapper Lil Wayne was a major influence on her growing up.
Speaking on The Cruz Show on Real 92.3 FM, the Oscar-nominated artist revealed that she used to mimic Lil Wayne and even “pretend to be” him when she was younger.
“Hip-hop is my thing. I used to pretend to be a rapper. I love Lil Wayne as well. I used to pretend to be Lil Wayne when I was younger,” Tems shared during the interview.
The singer, whose soulful blend of Afrobeats and R&B has won her global recognition, also expressed her desire to meet the iconic rapper. “I’ve not met Wayne. I want to meet him so bad. Very soon I know I’m going to meet him,” she added.
Tems, known for hits like “Essence” with Wizkid and her own tracks like “Free Mind”, continues to rise in global music circles, and her admiration for Lil Wayne highlights the rapper’s far-reaching influence across the world.