Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems and a Grammy winner, has revealed that she used to emulate American rap icon Lil Wayne during her youth.

In a recent appearance on The Cruz Show on Real 92.3 FM, the Oscar-nominated artist confessed that she would "pretend" to be a rapper, with Wayne serving as her main source of inspiration.

“Hip-hop is my thing. I used to pretend to be a rapper. I love Lil Wayne as well. I used to pretend to be Lil Wayne when I was younger,” she revealed.

Tems, who has quickly gained international acclaim for her distinctive sound and style, expressed her desire to meet Lil Wayne in person.

“I’ve not met Wayne. I want to meet him so bad. Very soon I know I’m going to meet him.”

Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is an American rapper recognized as one of the most significant figures in hip hop history and is often regarded as one of the greatest rappers ever.