Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has revealed why she does not consider fellow Nigerian celebrities as potential romantic partners, saying she regards them as family rather than prospective love interests.
The singer made the remarks while speaking during an interview on the red carpet at the BET Awards over the weekend, where she was asked whether she would make the first move if given the opportunity to pursue a relationship with Super Eagles goalkeeper Maduka Okoye.
Responding to the question, Tems acknowledged that she is familiar with the footballer but clarified that they have never met on a personal level.
“I know who Maduka Okoye is but I don’t know him personally. I wish I did though. But shooting shots at him, we don’t do that over here,” she said.
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The Love Me Jeje singer explained that her relationships with Nigerian entertainers and public figures are built on friendship and mutual respect, making it difficult for her to view them in a romantic context.
According to the award-winning artiste, she sees her male colleagues more as brothers than potential partners.
“We [Nigerian celebrities] friend each other and we are family. I see my male colleagues as brothers,” she added.
Tems’ comments have sparked conversations among fans on social media, with many praising her candid response and her emphasis on maintaining healthy professional relationships within the entertainment industry.
The singer, who has earned international acclaim for her distinctive sound and collaborations with some of the world’s biggest music stars, has generally kept her personal life away from the spotlight despite intense public interest in her relationships.
Over the years, Tems has consistently maintained a private approach to matters concerning her love life, choosing instead to focus public attention on her music and career achievements.
Her latest remarks suggest that, while she is open to forming friendships with fellow Nigerian celebrities, she deliberately draws a clear boundary between professional relationships and romance.
Maduka Okoye, one of Nigeria’s most recognisable footballers, has attracted widespread admiration from fans for both his performances on the pitch and his public image. However, Tems’ response makes it clear that, despite recognising the goalkeeper, she has no intention of pursuing a romantic relationship with him or any other Nigerian celebrity.
The interview offered a rare glimpse into the singer’s views on relationships, reinforcing her preference for keeping personal and professional circles separate while continuing to prioritise her flourishing music career.
