| Full Name: Temilade Openiyi |
| Stage Name: Tems |
| Date of Birth: June 11, 1995 |
| Origin: Lagos, Nigeria |
| Genre: Afrobeats, R&B, Alté |
| Breakthrough Song: “Try Me” |
| Grammy Win: 2023 with Future & Drake |
| Instruments: Vocals, Music Production |
| Education: Monash South Africa |
| Active Years: 2018 – present |
- Full Name and Stage Name
Tems’s full name is Temilade Openiyi, and she is popularly known by her stage name Tems. While “Tems” is the primary name she uses professionally, she is sometimes affectionately referred to as Tems Baby by fans and media. This name has become synonymous with her unique musical style and soulful voice.
2. Early Life and Background
Tems was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to the United Kingdom, where she spent a few years of her early childhood. After her parents divorced, she returned to Nigeria at the age of five and was raised by her mother.
Her upbringing spanned various areas in Lagos, including Ilupeju, Lekki, and later Ajah. As a child, Tems was naturally introverted and gravitated towards music. A music teacher in her school noticed her talent and encouraged her to explore it. She joined the school choir, learned to play the piano, and often sang while her brother played the guitar. These early experiences played a significant role in shaping her musical identity.
3. Education
Tems attended Dowen College in Lagos for her secondary education. Afterward, she moved to South Africa to pursue higher education. She studied Economics at Monash South Africa, a campus of Monash University.
During her time in university, she continued to nurture her passion for music, although she had not yet launched a professional career. Her academic background gave her a foundation in critical thinking and business knowledge, which would later help her navigate the music industry more independently.
4. Career Beginnings
Before diving into music professionally, Tems worked in digital marketing. However, in 2018, she decided to quit her job and focus fully on music. She began learning music production on her own by watching tutorials online, which allowed her to maintain creative control over her sound.
That same year, she released her debut single “Mr Rebel”, a self-produced track that introduced her to the Nigerian alternative music scene. The song gained attention for its distinct sound and compelling vocals. In 2019, she released “Try Me”, which became a breakthrough single, resonating strongly with Nigerian youth and earning her growing recognition as an artist to watch.
5. Rise to Fame / Breakthrough Moment
Tems’s major breakthrough came in 2020 when she was featured on Wizkid’s hit single “Essence”. The song received global acclaim and became a chart-topping hit, earning her international attention. A remix of the song featuring Justin Bieber helped push the track even further, becoming the first Nigerian song to break into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, peaking at number 9. Her powerful vocals on the track were widely praised, and the collaboration marked a turning point in her career.
That same year, she released her debut EP “For Broken Ears”, featuring tracks like “Damages”, which also enjoyed commercial success. She soon signed with RCA Records and followed up with another EP, “If Orange Was a Place”, in 2021. Tems continued to rise internationally, featuring on Drake’s song “Fountains” and Future’s “Wait For U,” the latter of which won a Grammy Award. These collaborations solidified her position as a global star and one of the leading voices in the new wave of African music.
6. Major Achievements and Awards
Tems has achieved remarkable milestones in her music career, earning recognition both locally and internationally. In 2023, she won her first Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future’s song “Wait For U” featuring Drake. This made her the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy in that category.
In 2025, she added a second Grammy to her name by winning Best African Music Performance for her song “Love Me Je Je,” making her the first Nigerian artist—male or female—to win multiple Grammy Awards.
She has also received several other honors, including the Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Award, becoming the first Nigerian to receive that recognition. Tems has won four BET Awards, four NAACP Image Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards.
Her debut studio album Born in the Wild, released in 2024, received widespread critical acclaim and became the highest-charting album by a Nigerian female artist across several international markets. These accomplishments solidify her position as a leading figure in the global music scene.
7. Style and Personality
Tems is known for her genre-defying sound, blending elements of Afropop, R&B, neo-soul, alté, and even reggae and hip-hop. She has described her music as being deeply rooted in personal experiences rather than bound to any single genre. This authenticity and emotional depth are key to her appeal.
In terms of personal style, she often presents a mix of bold and minimalist fashion, favoring oversized silhouettes, structured pieces, and a balance between masculine and feminine aesthetics. Her on-stage and red-carpet appearances are often striking, exuding confidence, elegance, and individuality. Offstage, she carries a calm and introspective personality, often described as thoughtful, grounded, and highly self-aware.
8. Personal Life
Tems is known to be very private about her personal life. Raised in Lagos by her mother after her parents separated, she has spoken about the emotional impact of her childhood and how it shaped her worldview and artistry. Although she has been the subject of public speculation regarding relationships—particularly with other artists—she has not publicly confirmed any romantic affiliations and is generally believed to be single.
She has made a few high-profile appearances at global events such as the Grammy Awards and the Oscars, often making fashion headlines for her unique and eye-catching outfits. Despite her fame, she maintains a reserved public image and continues to focus on her music and personal growth.
9. Philanthropy and Social Impact
While Tems has not widely publicized any formal philanthropic foundations or projects, her influence as a cultural figure is significant. She represents a powerful voice for young African women, especially in a male-dominated industry. By producing her own music and refusing to conform to traditional pop standards, she has inspired many up-and-coming artists to pursue their craft on their own terms.
Her journey from being an independent Nigerian artist to an international award-winning star has provided representation and hope for many creatives across Africa. Her interviews and public appearances often reflect her commitment to authenticity, female empowerment, and artistic independence.
10. Controversies and Public Criticism
Tems has maintained a relatively clean public image throughout her career, with minimal involvement in controversies. One incident that attracted media attention occurred in December 2020 when she and fellow Nigerian artist Omah Lay were arrested in Uganda following a live performance.
Authorities claimed the event violated COVID-19 protocols in place at the time. The situation led to widespread outcry, and both artists were released after a few days. Charges were dropped, and the Ugandan government issued an apology.
Beyond this isolated case, Tems has largely remained out of public scandal or criticism. Her career has been marked by professionalism, dedication, and a consistent commitment to excellence in her craft.
11. Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2024, Tems is estimated to have a net worth of around $2 million. Her earnings primarily come from music sales, global streaming platforms, international collaborations, and live performances. In addition, she has earned income through endorsement deals and brand partnerships that align with her minimalist yet bold public image.
Though successful, Tems maintains a relatively low-profile lifestyle. She is known for her simplicity, choosing privacy and peace over luxury showmanship, and often communicates this through her music and personal statements.
12. Recent Activities / Current Projects
In June 2024, Tems released her debut full-length studio album titled “Born in the Wild.” The album consists of 18 tracks, blending themes of identity, freedom, healing, and womanhood. It includes interludes from her mother and managers, along with collaborations with artists like Asake and J. Cole. The album received critical acclaim and performed well internationally, entering music charts across Europe and North America.
To promote the album, Tems launched the “Born in the Wild Tour,” her first global tour spanning continents including Europe, North America, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Kicking off in London in June 2024, the tour featured both intimate venues and large arenas and was praised for its vocal performance and stage design. This period marks the most defining phase of her career to date, positioning her as a global artist with both critical and commercial credibility.
13. Influence and Legacy
Tems has emerged as one of the most influential African artists of her generation. She redefined the path for women in Nigerian music by carving a space for herself through authenticity and independence. By self-producing her early songs and refusing to conform to popular trends, she set an example for alternative artists and creatives across the continent.
Her work with global icons such as Wizkid, Drake, Future, and Beyoncé has helped bridge the gap between Afrobeats and global R&B. Tems has also challenged genre expectations by blending Afro-fusion with soul, alternative, and hip-hop influences, paving the way for a new wave of cross-genre African artistry.
14. Social Media and Online Presence
Tems maintains an active yet curated presence on social media. She uses platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to promote her music, share tour updates, and occasionally post personal reflections or fashion looks.
Her tone online is often reserved and introspective, in line with her offline personality. She avoids unnecessary controversy and focuses on using her platforms to highlight her work and artistic journey. Fans admire her for being relatable, authentic, and deeply rooted in purpose rather than fame.
- Quotes and Personal Statements
Tems is known for her thoughtful reflections and empowering words. Some of her notable personal statements include:
- “Nobody outside of you can define who you are… You define yourself, and the world responds accordingly.”
- On her debut album, she said: “I realized I wasn’t living, I was surviving… but I was meant to live, to thrive, to be wild and free.”
- Speaking about her career journey, she once remarked: “I’m not trying to be famous; I’m trying to be great.”
These quotes reflect her inner strength, desire for freedom, and commitment to making meaningful art.
16. Interesting Facts
- Tems taught herself music production using free online tools and tutorials so she could control her sound and vision.
- She began writing songs at age 17 and often practiced with her older brother who played guitar.
- Her vocals on the track “Higher” were sampled in Future’s hit “Wait For U,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—making her the first African artist to debut at No. 1.
- She directed the video for her 2024 single “Love Me JeJe” herself, paying tribute to the classic Nigerian song by Seyi Sodimu and showcasing cultural imagery from Lagos.
- She is the first Nigerian female artist to win two Grammy Awards.
17. Conclusion
Tems represents the future of African music—fiercely independent, emotionally resonant, and globally impactful. Her journey from singing in a Lagos choir to winning international awards reflects her resilience, vision, and talent.
With a sound that transcends borders and a message rooted in self-belief, Tems continues to redefine what it means to be a Nigerian artist on the world stage. She is not just a rising star; she is a symbol of artistic freedom, female empowerment, and global relevance.
