Award-winning Nigerian singer and global star Tems has broken her silence on the relentless body shaming she’s endured throughout her rise to fame, delivering a raw, unapologetic message to critics and fans alike: her body is hers alone.

The singer, fresh off a mesmerizing performance at the Root Picnic 2025 in Philadelphia, took to social media to confront a toxic conversation that has followed her for years. Despite her genre-defying music, Grammy accolades, and undeniable influence on global soundscapes, Tems says people have remained preoccupied with her appearance more than her artistry.

“Seven years of this,” she wrote in a post that quickly went viral. “Okay, 7 years in. It’s time to pack it up. I never thought I’d need to say it but you are all weird.”

In her characteristically direct tone, Tems addressed the barrage of online comments that have dissected her body — often in crude and unsolicited ways.

“‘It’s small, it’s flat, it’s fat.’ Dog, IT’S MINE,” she wrote, turning the mirror on those who feel entitled to scrutinize her physicality. Her words were not just a clapback; they were a statement of self-possession.

Beyond the Music, A Message of Self-Respect

Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, has never positioned herself as an artist defined by sex appeal or social validation. Known for her soulful lyrics and genre-blending sound, she’s carved her own lane in the music industry — one that doesn’t lean on provocative aesthetics or public approval.

Yet, in a world that often treats women’s bodies as public property, she’s found herself repeatedly subjected to invasive commentary — from social media chatter to viral memes. Her recent message was a firm declaration that enough is enough.

“‘Show us your bumbum,’ lol,” she quipped mockingly. “So me too I will turn and say ‘see’? Nah, show ME yours first. See how that feels?”

Her words didn’t just push back — they turned the spotlight onto the absurdity and entitlement that fuels online body criticism.

Owning the Narrative

Tems made it clear that her body, like her music, doesn’t exist to be consumed or appraised by others. She pointed out that weight fluctuations are normal, human, and no one’s business but her own.

“I will add and lose weight,” she said. “I never once hid my body, I just didn’t feel the need to prove or disprove anyone.”

The singer ended her post with a tone of closure and self-liberation:

“The more you don’t like my body, the better for me actually. But it’s enough now. Move on from my bum.”

A Moment of Empowerment

The statement has resonated widely, especially among fans who’ve long admired Tems for her authenticity and refusal to bend to industry pressure. For many, her message wasn’t just about body shaming—it was about reclaiming agency in a world that constantly tries to dictate how women should look, act, or present themselves.

By turning the conversation on its head and refusing to shrink under the weight of expectations, Tems continues to chart her own course—not just musically, but personally.

And if there’s one thing she’s made crystal clear, it’s this: her body is not up for debate.