Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has set social media abuzz after publicly declaring herself “a Jesus baby” during an interview at the 2025 Fashion Awards. The statement, made in response to a question about her zodiac sign, has since ignited widespread debate, drawing mixed reactions from fans, critics and social commentators across various platforms.
The singer, who continues to be one of Africa’s most recognisable global music exports, was approached on the red carpet by The People Gallery. When asked the commonly posed celebrity question about her zodiac sign, Tems smiled and gave an unexpected reply. “Oh, I’m a Jesus baby. My sign is love, peace and joy,” she said.
Her response, which lasted only a few seconds, quickly went viral after a clip of the moment surfaced on social media. While many praised her for boldly identifying with her faith, others criticised the statement, pointing to what they considered contradictions between her music, public persona and Christian beliefs.
Tems, known for songs such as Crazy Tings, Free Mind and her globally acclaimed collaborations, has often maintained a calm and introspective public image. However, her combination of spirituality and pop culture in this instance triggered a divide among online users who offered wide-ranging opinions.
Shortly after the clip went viral, X (formerly Twitter) became the centre of conversation, with thousands of users weighing in on Tems’ declaration. Critics argued that her statement was inconsistent with her career as a secular artist, while supporters defended her right to identify with her faith regardless of her profession.
One user, @xm_muva, criticised Tems’ remark, writing: “She makes worldly music and shakes her fine ass on stage to the entire world. Christians are hypocrites lol. Y’all think your religion is a buffet, bro. Be free, ah?”
Another critic, @Phena95, argued that her response oversimplified Christianity, stating: “Jesus or Christianity is not an aesthetic; it’s not just about love, joy and peace. Repentance as well.”
Some reactions focused on Tems’ artistic identity. A user with the handle @Chocodilish wrote: “Add some personality to your music, this Jesus baby bllsht is killing your brand abeg.”
Others, however, saw the statement in a positive light. A number of commenters expressed admiration for her decision to identify with Jesus rather than astrology. User @max_sticks noted: “It’s funny when I see believers attacking her for doing too much. Your identity is Christ and not one useless zodiac sign, please.”
Another user, @Gigialwashere, applauded Tems and even embraced her wording: “I agree with her. Grown past being a Gemini, now I identify as a Jesus baby.”
The interaction has not only reignited discussions about faith and artistry but also highlighted the ongoing public debate around spirituality in mainstream entertainment. For years, celebrities across the world have navigated the balance between personal faith and professional expression. In Nigeria, where spirituality holds a significant place in society, such declarations often spark intensified scrutiny.
Entertainment analysts suggest that Tems’ response may reflect a growing trend among young African artists who no longer separate their spirituality from their public identities. According to some commentators, Tems’ reply may have been an attempt to shift conversations away from the typical zodiac-based personality profiles commonly used in celebrity culture. Instead, she offered an identity rooted in what she considers a more universal set of values — love, peace and joy.
However, others believe the backlash stems from the audience’s expectations of how celebrities should behave when they claim religious affiliations. Tems, whose music often explores themes of emotional vulnerability, independence and self-awareness, has never publicly aligned herself with a religious movement. To some fans, her response was refreshing; to others, it seemed inconsistent.
Still, many observers point out that Tems has been one of the few global African stars to maintain groundedness in interviews, often speaking about authenticity, personal growth and maintaining balance while navigating fame. Her comment may therefore simply reflect her personal outlook rather than a strategic branding decision.
The controversy also draws attention to the broader cultural conversation about astrology, which has gained popularity among young people, particularly in pop culture circles. While many celebrities embrace zodiac signs as part of their public flair, Tems’ dismissal of astrology in favour of a faith-based identity stands out in an industry where star signs often form part of celebrity interviews and fan engagement.
Despite the criticisms, a large portion of Nigerians and fans across Africa have defended her right to express her faith. Supporters say that personal spirituality should not be policed based on the type of music an artist performs. They argue that identifying with Jesus does not require an artist to make strictly gospel content.
As the debate continues, Tems has not issued any further comments to address the reactions. Her silence has led many to speculate that she may not consider the matter serious enough to warrant clarification, while others believe she is allowing the conversation to evolve naturally.
What remains clear is that Tems’ brief statement has succeeded in sparking one of the most engaging online conversations in recent weeks, cutting across fans of music, religion, culture and celebrity discourse.
As a global star who continues to break boundaries, Tems remains a significant cultural figure whose words and actions spark meaningful conversations. Whether the debate will impact her future interviews or influence how she expresses her identity is yet to be seen. For now, discussions continue to trend across platforms, reflecting the complex relationship between celebrity culture, faith and public perception.
Africalivenews will continue to monitor reactions and developments surrounding the story as the conversation evolves across digital platforms.
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