Fast rising Nigeria international singer, Temilade Openiyi popularly known as Tems has given her reasons for wearing a view blocking dress to the 2023 Oscars.
The singer was dragged on social media over her outfit to the Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars held on Sunday night, at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, United States
Tems was nominated for the Best Original song courtesy of her collaboration with American singer Rihanna and others on ‘Lift Me Up’, the category was however won by Kaala Bhairava and Rahul Sipligunj for ‘Naatu Naatu’.
Speaking with Harper’s Bazzar, Tems in a pre-Oscars interview gave behind-the-scenes details on the controversial gown.
The ‘Don’t try me’ crooner said, “Two years ago, I would’ve said no to this dress,” she said. “But it’s my first Oscars — I am going to go all out. I really wanted to make the most of the day. The dress is also my way of celebrating my work and the people around me, celebrating my country, and celebrating the people that are rooting for me. This dress says ‘Yes, yes, I am here!”.
Speaking on her recent achievements, Tems said: “If the biggest women in the world love my work to such an extent that they are working with me, then that must say something. My work is actually reaching places, it’s making some type of impact.
“And that is insane! I really am just trying to keep my feet on the ground and continue running and doing things that are a hundred per cent authentic to me. Evolving, learning, growing. It’s just the beginning for me,” she said.