Tems: Biography, Life, Music & More
Full Name: Temilade Openiyi
Stage Name: Tems
Date of Birth: June 11, 1995
Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
Genres: Afrobeats, R&B, Alté, Soul
Years Active: 2018 – Present
Record Label: RCA Records, Since ’93
Early Life & Background
Tems was born in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father. After her parents separated, she was raised by her mother in Lagos. She grew up with a deep love for music, listening to artists like Aaliyah, Beyoncé, and Lauryn Hill.
She attended Dowen College in Lagos before moving to South Africa for university, where she studied Economics. However, her passion for music led her to pursue a career in the industry.
She taught herself music production and started recording songs in her bedroom before breaking into the mainstream.
Musical Career
Breakthrough & Early Success (2018–2020)
Tems made her debut with the single “Mr. Rebel” in 2018, showcasing her unique deep vocals and alternative R&B style. She gained more recognition with “Try Me” (2019), which became a major hit and introduced her as a rising star in Nigeria’s alternative music scene.
Her first EP, For Broken Ears (2020), featured the hit song “Damages”, which further cemented her place as a force in the industry.
Global Stardom & Collaborations (2021–Present)
Tems gained international recognition after collaborating with Wizkid on the global hit “Essence” (2021). The song became a massive Afrobeats anthem, even earning a Grammy nomination and a remix with Justin Bieber.
She later collaborated with Drake on Fountains (from Certified Lover Boy), and with Future on Wait for U (which won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023).
Her second EP, If Orange Was a Place (2021), featured songs like Crazy Tings, showcasing her continued growth as an artist.
In 2022, she became the first Nigerian female artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (with Wait for U). She also contributed to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack with No Woman, No Cry.
Her highly anticipated debut album is expected to drop soon.
Personal Life
Tems keeps her personal life very private and focuses mainly on her music. She has expressed in interviews that she wants to inspire women to embrace their authenticity and creativity.
In 2020, she was briefly arrested in Uganda (along with Omah Lay) for performing during COVID-19 restrictions but was later released. This incident only increased her global support and recognition.
Awards & Achievements
🏆 Grammy Award – Best Melodic Rap Performance (Wait for U with Future & Drake)
🏆 BET Awards – Best International Act (2022)
🏆 MTV Africa Music Awards – Best Alternative Act
🏆 Billboard Music Awards – Top Collaboration (Wait for U)
🏆 Headies Awards – Best Female Artiste (2022)
Style & Influence
Tems is known for her soulful, deep voice, alternative sound, and unique fashion style. She blends Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, making her one of the most distinctive voices in the industry.
She has been an inspiration to many young female artists, proving that authenticity and uniqueness can break barriers.
Conclusion
Tems has gone from being an underground artist to a global sensation. With her unique sound, strong songwriting, and international collaborations, she has solidified her place in both Afrobeats and global music.
