Song Details

• Artist: Tems
• Category: Biography
• Genre: Afrobeats
• Released: 2025-02-03
• Duration:

Tems Biography: Life, Career, and Achievements

Who is Tems?

Temilade Openiyi, known by her stage name Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has quickly risen to global stardom with her unique sound and powerful vocals. Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems blends Afrobeat, R&B, and soul with poignant lyrics, making her one of the most exciting voices in contemporary music.

Her breakout single “Try Me” (2019) and collaborations with artists like Drake, Future, and Wizkid have firmly established her as an international star, earning her recognition and accolades worldwide.

Early Life & Background

Tems was born to a Nigerian father and a British mother in Lagos. Raised in a musical family, she grew up surrounded by a variety of genres. Her mother’s background in classical music and her father’s love for soul and R&B greatly influenced her early musical journey.

From an early age, Tems was involved in music, singing in her church choir and later learning to play the piano. She attended Danish International School in Lagos and later went on to study Economics at the University of Lagos before deciding to focus full-time on her music career.

Tems’ Music Career: From The Beginning

Tems’ journey into the music industry started in 2018 when she released her debut single, “Mr. Rebel.” However, it was her 2019 release of “Try Me” that truly caught the attention of listeners. The song became a viral hit, with its raw, emotive energy and atmospheric Afrobeat production.

The Rise of Tems: “Try Me” and Breakout Success

The song “Try Me” was praised for its unique fusion of Afrobeats and soul. This was followed by several notable releases, including “Looku Looku” (2019), showcasing her growing prowess as an artist who seamlessly mixes Afrobeat rhythms with soul-stirring melodies.

With “Try Me,” Tems quickly gained recognition not just in Nigeria but also internationally. She became known for her distinctive voice, described as smooth, haunting, and soulful.

International Recognition: Collaboration with Wizkid

Tems took the world by storm with her collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeat star Wizkid on the song “Essence” in 2020. The song became a global smash hit, reaching chart-topping positions across various countries and receiving millions of streams.

“Essence” became a key milestone in her career, introducing her to a wider global audience. It was not only a chart-topper but also marked her as one of the most promising talents in the Afrobeat genre.

Tems’ Breakthrough: “If Orange Was a Place” and More Hits

In 2021, Tems released her debut EP, “If Orange Was a Place,” which featured a blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and alternative music. The EP was well-received, and tracks like “Crazy Tings” and “The Key” further solidified her presence on the global stage.

Her partnership with Future and Drake on the song “Wait for U” from Future’s album I Never Liked You (2022) was another key moment in her rise. The track, where Tems delivered stunning vocals, reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking her as the first Nigerian female artist to achieve such an accomplishment.

Tems’ Impact on Afrobeat & Global Music

🌍 Afrobeat Global Ambassador: Tems has helped popularize Afrobeat globally by mixing her Nigerian heritage with international genres like R&B, soul, and pop.
🎶 Soulful Voice: Her sound bridges the gap between genres, combining Afrobeat rhythms with R&B melodies to create a unique voice in music.
🎧 Producer and Songwriter: In addition to her singing talent, Tems has established herself as an accomplished producer and songwriter, working on many of her own tracks and contributing to other artists’ music.

Awards & Achievements

🏆 Best Female Artist at the 2022 Headies Awards
🏆 MTV Africa Music Awards – Nominated for Best Female Artist
🏆 “Essence” featured in Billboard Hot 100
🏆 Grammy Nominee – Best Global Music Performance for her work with Wizkid on “Essence.”
🏆 Top charting songs globally: “Essence,” “Free Mind,” and “Wait for U.”

Net Worth

As of 2025, Tems’ net worth is estimated to be between $3 million to $5 million, thanks to her music sales, streaming revenue, collaborations, and touring.

Personal Life

Tems has been very private about her personal life, preferring to keep the focus on her career. Despite this, her openness about her struggles with mental health and her journey toward finding her voice as an artist have made her a role model for many young fans worldwide.

Conclusion

Tems is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and innovative voices in the contemporary music scene. Her ability to blend traditional Afrobeat sounds with global genres like R&B and soul has earned her critical acclaim and commercial success. As she continues to break barriers in the music industry, there’s no doubt that Tems will remain an influential figure in the global music scene for years to come.

💬 Are you a fan of Tems? Follow her on Instagram (@temsbaby) and Spotify for the latest updates!

More Songs From Tems

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Tems – Free Fall Ft. J. Cole

Tems – Turn Me Up

Tems – Hold On

Tems – Get It Right Ft. Asake

Tems

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