Introduction
Temilade Openiyi, born June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, and professionally known as Tems, is a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and record producer who has become a leading voice in the global rise of Afrobeats. Her soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and genre-blending style—merging Afrobeats, R&B, and Alté—have earned her international acclaim. From her breakout feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” to her historic Grammy wins, Tems has shattered barriers, becoming the first female Nigerian artist to win a Grammy and a trailblazer for African music on the world stage. Her journey from a self-taught producer to a multi-award-winning artist is a testament to resilience, talent, and authenticity.
Early Life and Education
Born to a British-Nigerian father and a Nigerian mother of Yoruba descent, Tems’ name, Temilade, means “the crown is mine” in Yoruba, reflecting her destined prominence. Her family relocated to the United Kingdom shortly after her birth but returned to Nigeria after her parents’ separation when she was five. Raised by her mother in Lagos, Tems lived in Ilupeju, Victoria Island, Lekki, and Ajah, experiencing a relatively comfortable Christian upbringing steeped in gospel music. She attended Dowen College in Lekki for secondary school, where she faced bullying due to her deep voice but found solace in music. At 11, she joined her school choir, learning to sing in falsetto and play the piano under her music teacher’s guidance. Tems later earned a degree in Economics from Monash University South Africa in Johannesburg, balancing academics with her growing passion for music.
Musical Journey and Breakthrough
Tems discovered her musical talent early, practicing with her brother’s guitar and performing in her school choir. Influenced by artists like Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean, Asa, and Lil Wayne, she began writing poetry and songs at 11, often reflecting her feelings of isolation. After graduating, she briefly worked in digital marketing but quit in 2018 to pursue music full-time, teaching herself production skills via YouTube. Her debut single, “Mr Rebel” (2018), which she produced herself, gained traction with over 5.6 million YouTube views, earning two nominations at Nigeria’s Headies Awards. Her 2019 follow-up, “Try Me,” further cemented her presence in Nigeria’s Alté scene, a subculture blending alternative music and fashion.
Tems’ global breakthrough came in 2020 with her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” from the album Made in Lagos. The track, remixed with Justin Bieber in 2021, peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped the BBC 1Xtra Airplay Chart, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance. That year, she collaborated with Davido on Khalid and Disclosure’s “Know Your Worth” remix and featured on Drake’s “Fountains” from Certified Lover Boy, peaking at number 26 on the Hot 100. Her debut EP, For Broken Ears (2020), produced primarily by Tems, included the hit “Damages,” which topped Nigeria’s Apple Music chart and reached number 6 on the TurnTable Top 50. Her 2021 EP, If Orange Was a Place, featuring “Crazy Tings,” was released under RCA Records after she signed a deal, showcasing her evolving sound.
Grammy Wins and Global Impact
In 2022, Tems’ vocals from “Higher” were sampled in Future’s “Wait for U” featuring Drake, debuting atop the Billboard Hot 100 and making her the first African artist to achieve this feat. The track won the 2023 Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance, marking Tems as the first female Nigerian Grammy winner. In 2024, she won her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance for “Water” from her debut album, Born in the Wild (2024), a critically acclaimed project that peaked at number 24 in the UK and top 30 in the Netherlands and Switzerland. Her work on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (2022), where she co-wrote and provided background vocals, earned nominations for an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media, making her the first Nigerian artist nominated in these categories. Her cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” for the same soundtrack further showcased her versatility.
Tems has amassed numerous accolades, including four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards, three Soul Train Music Awards, and a Billboard Women in Music Award. In 2023, she headlined the Afrobeats-themed NBA All-Star Game halftime show, performed at the Essence Festival in New Orleans, and attended the Met Gala, cementing her status as a global fashion and music icon. She was named BET’s Amplified Artist of the Month in August 2021 and listed on the 2023 Time 100 Next list.
Cultural Influence and Advocacy
Tems’ music, blending Afrobeats with R&B and Alté, reflects her Nigerian roots and personal experiences, resonating with global audiences. Her 2024 album Born in the Wild explores themes of resilience and self-discovery, with tracks like “Hold On” serving as personal anthems. She has championed African music’s global ascent, collaborating with A-listers like Beyoncé (on Renaissance, earning an Album of the Year Grammy nomination), Drake, and Future. Her performance at the 2023 Essence Festival, where she described her life as a “testimony” from Lagos to global stages, moved fans, as noted in posts on X. Tems’ social media presence, with over 3.3 million Instagram followers (@temsbaby), amplifies her influence, promoting her music and partnerships with brands like Tommy Hilfiger, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Personal Life and Challenges
Tems keeps her personal life private, with no public information on relationships or children as of 2025. A 2020 incident in Uganda, where she and Omah Lay were arrested for performing at an unauthorized concert during COVID-19 restrictions, led to a brief detention in Kitalya Prison, drawing global attention. Her resilience shone through, and she continued her ascent. Raised by her single mother, with whom she shares a close bond (featured in the “Temilade Interlude” on For Broken Ears), Tems credits her faith and family for her grounded perspective. Her net worth, estimated at $1–3 million, reflects earnings from royalties, tours, and endorsements.
Recent Developments
In 2025, Tems earned eight Grammy nominations, the most for any Nigerian female artist, as celebrated in posts on X. Her single “Love Me JeJe,” which she called her “Grammy Award-winning song” on X, honors her favorites like “Free Mind” and “Me & U.” The latter, her first solo release in two years, peaked at number 1 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. Her October 2024 performance at Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre, where she freestyled for a fan named Toby, showcased her playful charisma, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. Tems’ mantra, “Hold On,” encapsulates her journey of perseverance, inspiring fans worldwide.
Conclusion
Tems’ meteoric rise from Lagos to global stardom is a story of talent, grit, and cultural pride. Her Grammy wins, chart-topping collaborations, and genre-defying artistry have positioned her among African music’s elite, alongside Burna Boy and Tyla. As a self-taught producer and songwriter, she has broken gender barriers in Nigeria’s music industry, paving the way for future female artists. With her soulful voice and authentic storytelling, Tems continues to carry Nigerian music to new heights, proving that “the crown is mine” indeed.
Sources: Wikipedia, BBC News Pidgin, TheCityCeleb.com, IMDb, Sony Music UK, Los Angeles Times, WebofBio.com, Kemi Filani News, Graphic Online, The Guardian, BiographyWeb.org.
