Temilade Openiyi born 11 June 1995), popularly known as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. She gained international recognition with her unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and soulful vocals. Tems rose to prominence with the release of her single “Try Me” in 2019, which was well-received both in Nigeria and abroad.

Early Life And Education

Tems was born in Lagos, Nigeria. She is of from a Yoruba background.  Her family relocated to the UK when she was an infant, then returned to Nigeria following her parents’ separation, when she was five years old. Tems resided in Ilupeju before moving to Lekki and later Ajah.

Tems had a diverse educational background that helped shape her artistic development. She attended Dowen College in Lagos for her secondary education. Afterward, she moved to South Africa, where she studied Economics at Monash South Africa (now known as the IIE MSA).

Her early exposure to music began when a teacher in primary school noticed her singing talent, encouraging her to join the school choir. Despite studying economics, her passion for music remained strong, and she later pursued a career in the industry, blending her academic knowledge with her creative talents.

Career

In 2018, Tems quit her job in digital marketing to pursue a career in music. She began to learn self production skills on YouTube and on July 18th, 2018, she released her debut single, “Mr Rebel”, a song which she produced by herself. On 7 August 2019, she released the single “Try Me”.

The song’s success helped position her as one of the rising stars in the Nigerian music scene.

In 2020, her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” from his Made in Lagos album propelled her to global fame. “Essence” became a viral hit, reaching audiences far beyond Africa, and later earned a remix featuring Justin Bieber, further cementing its global appeal. The track was widely recognized and received a Grammy nomination, boosting her net worth, making Tems a household name internationally.

In the same year, Tems released her EP For Broken Ears, which showcased her unique sound—a mix of Afrobeat, alternative R&B, and soul. The EP included tracks like “Damages,” which also became a hit.

Tems’ career reached new heights when she collaborated with Drake on his 2021 album Certified Lover Boy, featuring on the song “Fountains.” In 2022, she further solidified her international status by working with Future on his single “Wait For U,” which won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023.

Tems’ distinctive voice, thoughtful lyrics, and the emotional depth of her music have earned her critical acclaim. She continues to be a significant figure in modern African music, influencing a new generation of artists while gaining recognition globally.

Net Worth

As of 2024, Tems has an estimated net worth is around $2-3 million. Her wealth primarily comes from her music career, including album sales, streaming revenue, and concert tours. Additionally, her international collaborations with artists like Wizkid, Drake, and Future have contributed significantly to her earnings.

Tems has also received income from brand endorsements and partnerships, along with royalties from her hit songs like “Essence” and “Wait For U.” Her growing popularity has placed her among the most successful artists in the African music scene.

Awards And Recognition

Tems has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to music, both in Nigeria and internationally.

In 2022, she won the Best International Act award at the BET Awards.

She also won the Best Collaboration award for her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” remix featuring Justin Bieber.

In 2023, Tems won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her collaboration on Future’s song “Wait For U,” alongside Future and Drake.

She was also nominated for Best Global Music Performance for her feature on Wizkid’s hit song “Essence.”

In 2022, Tems won the Best African Act at the MTV EMAs, recognizing her influence on the African and global music scene.

Tems continues to earn recognition for her unique sound and has solidified her position as one of the leading voices in contemporary African music, with a growing impact on the global stage.

Influence And Impact

Tems has played a significant role in elevating African music internationally. Alongside artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid, she has helped push Afrobeat to global prominence, blending it with elements of R&B and soul to create a unique sound that resonates across diverse audiences. Her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” was a turning point, as it became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Afrobeat’s position in mainstream music.

She is known for her emotional depth, introspective lyrics, and smooth, soulful voice. Her music often touches on themes of love, pain, personal growth, and resilience. She refuses to conform to industry expectations and maintains an authentic sound that blends genres like R&B, Afrobeat, and neo-soul. This authenticity has resonated with listeners around the world, helping her build a loyal fanbase.

By fusing Afrobeat with alternative R&B, Tems has helped create a new subgenre that appeals to both African and international audiences. This blend is influencing a wave of emerging artists who seek to experiment with genres and reach a global audience, pushing the boundaries of what African music can be.

Tems has become a cultural ambassador for Nigeria and Africa, representing a new generation of African musicians who are unapologetically proud of their heritage. Her fashion, persona, and music reflect a blend of contemporary global trends and African identity, influencing how African culture is perceived globally.

Tems’ music is known for its introspective lyrics, smooth vocals, and fusion of Afrobeat rhythms with alternative R&B. She has been recognized for her contributions to modern African music and is seen as one of the most exciting voices in the global music scene today.