Tems' Biography

Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has gained international recognition for her unique blend of alternative R&B and Afrobeats. Her journey from a young girl in Lagos to a Grammy Award-winning artist is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and dedication to her craft.

Tems was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. Her first name, Temilade, means "the crown is mine" in Yoruba, reflecting her heritage. While information about her parents is limited, it is known that her family relocated to the United Kingdom when she was an infant, and she returned to Nigeria with her mother following her parents' separation when she was five years old. This early experience of living in both the UK and Nigeria exposed her to diverse cultures and musical influences.

Growing up, Tems resided in various parts of Lagos, including Ilupeju, Lekki, and Ajah. She attended Dowen College for her secondary education, where she faced bullying due to her deep voice. However, this challenge ultimately led her to discover her musical talent. At 11 years old, she joined her school choir and began singing in falsetto. Her music teacher recognized her potential and coached her, teaching her how to play the piano. Tems also practiced singing with her brother, who often accompanied her on guitar.

Tems's musical journey was influenced by a wide range of artists and genres. As a child, she was primarily exposed to Christian music, but in her teenage years, she developed an interest in R&B and hip hop. She listened to artists such as Burna Boy, Lauryn Hill, Adele, Rihanna, Coldplay, Paramore, and Asa, drawing inspiration from their diverse sounds and styles.

In 2015, Tems began her professional music career. She initially worked in digital marketing but quit her job in 2018 to pursue music full-time. She taught herself music production skills through YouTube tutorials, determined to create music that reflected her unique vision. On July 18, 2018, she released her debut single, "Mr Rebel," which she produced herself.

Tems continued to hone her skills as a singer, songwriter, and producer, releasing the single "Try Me" in 2019. This song became a hit and brought her wider recognition within the Nigerian music scene.

2020 proved to be a breakthrough year for Tems. She released her debut extended play (EP), "For Broken Ears," which showcased her distinctive sound and songwriting abilities. That same year, she was featured on Wizkid's single "Essence," a collaboration that would propel her to international stardom. "Essence" peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart following the release of a remix featuring Justin Bieber.

The success of "Essence" earned Tems her first Grammy Award nomination. She was also featured on Drake's song "Fountains" in 2020, further solidifying her presence on the global music stage.

In 2021, Tems released her second EP, "If Orange Was a Place," after signing a record deal with RCA Records. This EP continued to explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, showcasing her growth as an artist.

2022 was another significant year for Tems. Her vocals from her song "Higher" were sampled by Future on his single "Wait for U," which also featured Drake. "Wait for U" debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, making Tems the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian artist to top the chart. The song earned her the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.


In July 2022, Tems covered Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" for the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" soundtrack album. Her song "Free Mind" from her debut EP also debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 46 and breaking the female record for the longest-charting number-one song on R&B/Hip-Hop. She also co-wrote and provided background vocals on Rihanna's song "Lift Me Up," which received nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

In 2024, Tems released her debut studio album, "Born in the Wild," to critical acclaim. The album reached the top thirty in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom, where it peaked at number 24. She embarked on her "Born in the Wild Tour" to support the album. At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Tems received three nominations: Best Global Music Album ("Born in the Wild"), Best R&B Song ("Burning"), and won Best African Music Performance ("Love Me JeJe"), making her the first Nigerian artist with multiple Grammy Awards.

Throughout her career, Tems has received numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards. Her notable songs include "Mr Rebel," "Try Me," "Damages," "Essence" (with Wizkid), "Fountains" (with Drake), "Wait for U" (with Future and Drake), "Free Mind," "Me & U," "Not an Angel," and "Love Me JeJe." She has not been featured in any movies.

Tems's impact on the music industry extends beyond her awards and chart success. She has been credited with helping to usher in an African takeover of pop music and has inspired a new generation of artists with her unique sound and fearless approach to music. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-belief and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision.