Tems Biography: Age, Early Life, Music Career, Albums, Grammy Awards, Net Worth, and Achievements
Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has become one of Africa’s most influential contemporary music artists. Born on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems rose from Nigeria’s alternative R&B scene to become a globally recognized voice in Afrobeats, R&B, and African pop music.
Her breakthrough came through her collaboration with Wizkid on the international hit “Essence”, which became a landmark song in the global rise of Afrobeats. The song’s remix featuring Justin Bieber reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Tems one of her earliest major international chart successes.
Tems subsequently expanded her global profile through collaborations with artists such as Drake, Future, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and others. Her distinctive deep and soulful voice, emotionally driven songwriting, and self-produced early recordings have established her as one of the most important Nigerian artists of her generation.
She has won multiple major awards, including two Grammy Awards, and has received recognition from the Billboard Music Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, and other international institutions.
Who Is Tems?
Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer whose music combines elements of Afrobeats, alternative R&B, soul, and contemporary African music. She is particularly recognized for her deep, velvety vocals, introspective lyrics, and minimalist production style.
She first attracted significant attention with songs such as “Mr Rebel” and “Try Me”, before releasing her debut EP, For Broken Ears, in 2020.
Her career changed dramatically after she appeared on Wizkid’s “Essence”. The song became a global phenomenon and introduced Tems to a much larger international audience.
Her subsequent work with Future and Drake on “Wait for U” made history when the song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems became the first African artist to have a song debut at the summit of the chart.
Tems’ Early Life and Education
Temilade Openiyi was born on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria. Her first name, Temilade, is a Yoruba name meaning “the crown is mine.” She is of Yoruba heritage.
Tems spent part of her early childhood in the United Kingdom after her family relocated there when she was an infant. Following her parents’ divorce, she returned to Nigeria at the age of five.
She grew up in different parts of Lagos, including Ilupeju, Lekki, and Ajah, and attended Dowen College for her secondary education. She later studied economics at Monash South Africa.
Music became an important part of her childhood. At about 11 years old, she joined her school choir. Although she was initially bullied because of the sound of her voice, a music teacher recognized her potential and helped her develop her singing abilities.
She also learned to play the piano and frequently practiced music with her brother, who accompanied her on guitar.
These early experiences helped shape the distinctive vocal style that would eventually become one of her defining characteristics.
Tems’ Music Career
2018–2021: Beginning Her Music Career
Tems initially worked in digital marketing but eventually decided to leave her job and pursue music full-time in 2018.
Determined to understand music production, she taught herself production techniques through online resources, including YouTube. This allowed her to take control of her sound rather than relying entirely on external producers.
On 18 July 2018, she released her debut single, “Mr Rebel.” The song was particularly significant because Tems produced it herself.
She followed it with “Try Me” on 7 August 2019. The song became an important early success and helped establish her as an emerging Nigerian alternative R&B artist.
In 2020, DJ Edu selected Tems as one of his artists to watch. She also appeared alongside Davido on a reworked version of Khalid and Disclosure’s “Know Your Worth.”
For Broken Ears
On 25 September 2020, Tems released her debut EP, For Broken Ears.
The project was primarily produced by Tems and showcased the atmospheric, emotionally intimate style that would become central to her identity.
One of its standout tracks, “Damages,” became a major Nigerian streaming success. It reached No. 1 on the Nigerian Apple Music chart and No. 6 on the TurnTable Top 50.
However, Tems’ career soon reached another level.
Tems and Wizkid’s “Essence”
On 30 October 2020, Tems appeared on Wizkid’s single “Essence”, taken from his fourth studio album, Made in Lagos.
The song became one of the defining Afrobeats records of the early 2020s. Its laid-back production, infectious rhythm, and Tems’ distinctive vocals helped it resonate with audiences around the world.
“Essence” eventually reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 after the release of its remix featuring Justin Bieber.
The song earned Tems her first Grammy nomination and several other major accolades.
Her success with “Essence” also demonstrated the growing ability of Nigerian artists to compete directly within the global pop music industry.
If Orange Was a Place and International Recognition
Tems signed with RCA Records before releasing her second EP, If Orange Was a Place, on 15 September 2021.
The project was primarily produced by Ghanaian producer GuiltyBeatz.
Its single “Crazy Tings” became another international success, reaching No. 3 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.
During this period, Tems also appeared on Drake’s “Fountains”, from his album Certified Lover Boy. The track debuted at No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Tems subsequently reached No. 1 on both the Billboard Next Big Sound chart and the Billboard Emerging Artists chart, reinforcing her position as one of the most promising new voices in global music.
2022–2023: Tems Becomes a Global Star
The year 2022 represented a major turning point in Tems’ career.
She was featured on American rapper Future’s “Wait for U”, alongside Drake. The song sampled Tems’ earlier record “Higher” from For Broken Ears.
“Wait for U” Makes Billboard History
Released on 29 April 2022, “Wait for U” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The achievement was historic for Tems and African music. She became the first African artist to have a song debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song later earned Tems a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance, marking a major milestone in her career.
Tems and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
Tems also contributed significantly to the soundtrack of Marvel’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
In 2022, she recorded a powerful cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” for the film’s soundtrack.
She also co-wrote and contributed background vocals to Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”, another major song associated with the film.
“Lift Me Up” received nominations at several prestigious awards, including the Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Grammy Awards.
Tems’ involvement in the project demonstrated her ability to contribute not only as a performer but also as a songwriter and creative collaborator.
“Free Mind” and Billboard Success
Tems’ earlier song “Free Mind”, originally released on For Broken Ears, also experienced a major resurgence.
The track entered the Billboard Hot 100 in 2022 and eventually peaked in the mid-40s. It also reached No. 1 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
The song’s success further demonstrated the longevity of Tems’ early work and introduced her original music to audiences who had discovered her through collaborations.
Tems Collaboration With Beyoncé
Tems continued expanding her international résumé by appearing on Beyoncé’s “Move”, alongside Grace Jones.
The song appeared on Beyoncé’s 2022 album Renaissance and gave Tems another entry on the Billboard Hot 100.
Her growing list of collaborations with major international artists established her as one of the most sought-after African vocalists in contemporary music.
Tems Grammy Award Victory
At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in 2023, Tems, Future, and Drake won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U.”
The victory made Tems one of the most prominent Nigerian women in Grammy history and represented another important milestone for African music.
She also performed at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game, headlining an Afrobeats-themed halftime performance.
In the same year, Tems became the first female Afrobeats artist to attend the Met Gala and was named to the TIME100 Next list.
“Me & U”
On 5 October 2023, Tems released “Me & U”, her first major solo release following If Orange Was a Place, apart from her Bob Marley cover.
The song demonstrated a more personal and introspective side of her songwriting.
“Me & U” reached No. 1 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart and No. 34 on the UK Singles Chart. It also earned international recognition, including an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding International Song.
2024: Born in the Wild
In 2024, Tems entered a new chapter with the release of her debut studio album, Born in the Wild.
The album was released on 7 June 2024 and represented an important transition from her earlier EP-focused career to a full-length album era.
The project explores themes including:
- Love and relationships
- Self-discovery
- Personal growth
- Independence
- Identity
- Emotional vulnerability
The album’s second single, “Love Me JeJe,” was released on 25 April 2024 after Tems previewed it during her Coachella performance.
The song went on to become one of the most successful releases of the album campaign.
Born in the Wild Chart Performance
Born in the Wild performed strongly internationally, reaching the Top 30 in several markets, including the United Kingdom, Netherlands, and Switzerland.
In the United States, the album reached No. 56 on the Billboard 200, making it one of the highest-charting albums by a Nigerian female artist at the time.
Tems subsequently launched the Born in the Wild Tour, taking her music to audiences across multiple international markets.
Tems at Glastonbury
In June 2024, Tems made history by another milestone in her international career and demonstrated the growing presence of African artists becoming the first African female artist to perform on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival.
The appearance represented another milestone in her international career and demonstrated the growing presence of African artists at major global music festivals.
She also opened for Chris Brown during his 11:11 Tour across North America and later supported Coldplay during portions of the Music of the Spheres World Tour.
Grammy Success With “Love Me JeJe”
Tems’ achievements reached another high point at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
She received three nominations:
- Best Global Music Album for Born in the Wild
- Best R&B Song for “Burning”
- Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe”
She won Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe.”
The victory gave Tems her second Grammy Award and cemented her position among the most internationally decorated Nigerian artists.
2025: Global Expansion and New Ventures
Tems continued expanding beyond music in 2025.
She became the first African woman to hold an ownership stake in a Major League Soccer team after joining the ownership group of San Diego FC.
The move demonstrated her growing influence beyond the recording industry and reflected her evolution into a broader global entertainment figure.
Tems also continued releasing and collaborating on music while maintaining her international touring schedule.
Tems and Dave: “Raindance”
In October 2025, Tems collaborated with British rapper Dave on “Raindance.”
The song became a major commercial success and gave Tems her first No. 1 single on the UK Singles Chart.
It also expanded her presence across international markets and became another significant entry in her growing global discography.
Love Is a Kingdom EP
On 21 November 2025, Tems surprise-released the EP Love Is a Kingdom.
The project continued her exploration of emotionally driven songwriting while demonstrating her ability to move between Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and contemporary pop.
One of the songs from the project, “What You Need,” became another Billboard Hot 100 entry for Tems.
Tems’ Musical Style and Influences
Tems’ musical identity is heavily influenced by R&B, hip-hop, soul, Afrobeats, and alternative music.
During her childhood, her mother primarily allowed her to listen to Christian music. As she became a teenager, however, Tems discovered a wider range of artists.
Among her influences are:
- Beyoncé
- Rihanna
- Aaliyah
- Lauryn Hill
- Adele
- Burna Boy
- Coldplay
- Asa
- Destiny’s Child
- Lil Wayne
- Paramore
- Alicia Keys
She has also cited Frank Ocean’s “Swim Good” and Lauryn Hill’s “I Gotta Find Peace of Mind” as important influences.
Interestingly, Tems deliberately distanced herself from listening to other artists when she was around 15 because she wanted to develop her own artistic identity rather than imitate established musicians.
Tems’ Vocal Style
One of Tems’ most recognizable characteristics is her deep, velvety voice.
Her vocal delivery often combines restraint with emotional intensity. Rather than relying exclusively on vocal runs or highly elaborate arrangements, has become one of the elements that separates her from many contemporary Afrobeats and R&B performers she frequently allows her tone, phrasing, and lyrical delivery to carry the emotional weight of a song.
Her distinctive voice has become one of the elements that separates her from many contemporary Afrobeats and R&B performers.
Tems as a Songwriter and Producer
Tems is not only a singer but also a songwriter and producer.
Her early career was particularly notable for her commitment to self-production. She taught herself production techniques and produced songs such as “Mr Rebel” herself.
Her songwriting abilities have also earned recognition through collaborations with some of the biggest names in international music.
Her contributions to Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up”, Future’s “Wait for U”, and other high-profile projects demonstrate her versatility as a songwriter and collaborator.
Tems’ Awards and Achievements
Tems has accumulated major international recognition throughout her career.
Her achievements include:
- 2 Grammy Awards
- Billboard Women in Music Award
- 4 NAACP Image Awards
- 4 BET Awards
- 3 Soul Train Music Awards
- Major Billboard chart achievements
- Multiple international music award nominations
- Recognition on the TIME100 Next list
- Historic performances at Glastonbury and the NBA All-Star Game
Her Grammy victories have particularly strengthened her position as one of the leading Nigerian artists on the international stage.
Tems’ Global Impact
Tems has played an important role in the international expansion of Nigerian music.
Her success demonstrates how African artists can move beyond traditional regional, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and other international stars have helped place Nigerian songwriting, vocals markets and compete directly on the world’s biggest music platforms.
Collaborations with Wizkid, Drake, Future, Beyoncé, Rihanna, and other international stars have helped place Nigerian songwriting, vocals, and production at the center of global pop culture.
Her career has also helped demonstrate that Afrobeats can coexist with alternative R&B, soul, hip-hop, and other genres without losing its African identity.
Tems’ Influence on African Music
Tems represents a generation of Nigerian artists who have helped redefine how African music is presented internationally.
Rather than simply adapting to Western pop conventions, she has maintained a strong individual identity while collaborating with global artists.
Her success with “Essence,” “Wait for U,” “Free Mind,” “Me & U,” “Love Me JeJe,” and other releases has helped establish a pathway for African female artists seeking international recognition.
Her influence extends beyond music into fashion, entertainment, sports ownership, and global African representation.
Tems’ Discography
Studio Album
- Born in the Wild — 2024
Extended Plays
- For Broken Ears — 2020
- If Orange Was a Place — 2021
- Love Is a Kingdom — 2025
Tems’ Tours
Headlining
- Born in the Wild Tour — 2024–present
Supporting Tours
- Chris Brown — 11:11 Tour — 2024
- Coldplay — Music of the Spheres World Tour — 2024–2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Tems
What is Tems’ real name?
Tems’ real name is Temilade Openiyi.
When was Tems born?
Tems was born on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria.
How old is Tems?
Tems was born in 1995, making her 31 years old in 2026.
What is Tems famous for?
Tems is best known internationally for her collaboration with Wizkid on “Essence”, her Grammy-winning work on “Wait for U” with Future and Drake, and her solo music, including “Free Mind,” “Me & U,” and “Love Me JeJe.”
How many Grammys has Tems won?
Tems has won two Grammy Awards. Her first came for “Wait for U” in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category, while her second came for “Love Me JeJe” in the Best African Music Performance category.
What is Tems’ first album?
Tems’ debut studio album is Born in the Wild, released on 7 June 2024.
What genre is Tems’ music?
Tems’ music incorporates Afrobeats, alternative R&B, soul, hip-hop, and contemporary African music.
Conclusion
Tems has evolved from a self-producing Lagos-based singer into one of the most internationally influential Nigerian musicians of her generation. From “Mr Rebel” and “Try Me” to global hits such as “Essence” and “Wait for U,” her career has been defined by artistic independence, distinctive vocals, and an ability to connect African music with audiences around the world.
Her Grammy victories, international collaborations, historic festival appearances, successful debut album Born in the Wild, and ventures beyond music have further established her as a major global African cultural figure.
With her distinctive sound and expanding international influence, Tems remains one of the most important voices shaping the future of Afrobeats, African R&B, and contemporary global music.
