CITIZENS COMPASS—Grammy-winning Nigerian singer and songwriter, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, takes centre stage in a new edition of African Voices Changemakers, CNN International’s magazine programme, sponsored by telecommunications giant, Globacom.
The edition, hosted by ace anchor Larry Madowo, aired on Saturday, October 4 2025. It chronicles Tems’ remarkable journey from producing music in her Lagos bedroom to becoming a global music sensation and one of Africa’s most celebrated contemporary voices.
In the interview, Tems opens up about her creative process, her meteoric rise to international fame, and her efforts to empower women through her Leading Vibe Initiative, which aims to inspire young African women to pursue their passions boldly.
The episode highlights Tems’s distinctive approach to music and her determination to redefine the global soundscape on her own terms. She reflects on her experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped her sound and artistic identity. Viewers will gain valuable insight into her authenticity, resilience, and commitment to elevating African music on the world stage.
The programme will air multiple times to give viewers across different time zones the opportunity to watch, with rebroadcasts scheduled for Saturday, October 11 , at 7:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.; Sunday, October 12, at 3:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.; and Monday, October 13, at 3:00 a.m. (all in West Africa Time).
This episode promises fans and music lovers an authentic and inspiring look at one of Africa’s most influential voices, whose talent and vision continue to shape the global music scene.
