Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary global music. Born on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria, she holds Nigerian nationality and blends alternative R&B, Afrobeats, and soulful elements into a sound that feels both intimate and expansive. Her deep, velvety vocals and introspective songwriting have connected with audiences worldwide, turning her from a self-taught artist uploading music from Lagos into a Grammy-winning force who collaborates with major stars like Wizkid, Drake, Future, Beyoncé, and Rihanna.
Tems rose to international prominence with her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2020, a track that became a global summer anthem and marked a breakthrough for Afrobeats on the Billboard Hot 100. Since then, she has released acclaimed EPs and her debut studio album, earned multiple Grammy Awards, and built a reputation for authenticity and artistic independence. Her journey reflects resilience, cultural pride, and a commitment to creating music on her own terms.
Tems Early Life and Background
Temilade Openiyi was born on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father. Her first name, Temilade, means “the crown is mine” in Yoruba, reflecting her Yoruba ethnicity. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to the United Kingdom. When she was five years old, following her parents’ divorce, she returned to Nigeria with her mother and older brother, Tunji. They lived in areas such as Ilupeju, before moving to Lekki and later Ajah.
Raised primarily by her single mother in a Christian household, Tems grew up listening to gospel music. She faced challenges, including bullying in school due to her deep voice, which made her feel unseen at times. Music became an outlet early on. At around 11 years old, she joined her school choir, where a supportive music teacher noticed her talent, encouraged her to sing in falsetto, and taught her to play the piano. She often practiced singing with her brother, who played guitar, creating imaginary concerts in their home.
These formative experiences in Lagos shaped her resilient spirit and creative foundation. The blend of Nigerian roots and exposure to different cultures through her father influenced her genre-blending style. She drew inspiration from artists like Aaliyah, Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, Adele, Beyoncé, and Burna Boy, while also absorbing local sounds.
Tems Education
Tems attended Dowen College in Lekki for her secondary education. Despite the bullying she experienced related to her voice, she found community in the choir and developed her musical skills there. After secondary school, she pursued higher education at Monash South Africa (now IIE MSA) in Johannesburg, where she earned a degree in economics.
While studying economics, Tems balanced academics with her growing passion for music. She taught herself music production through YouTube tutorials, a skill that would later define her independent approach. Although she completed her degree, her heart remained in music, leading her to leave a conventional career path shortly after graduation to focus fully on her artistry.
Tems Musical Influences and Artistic Development
Tems’ sound draws from a rich mix of influences. In her childhood, gospel dominated her listening, but as a teenager she discovered R&B, hip-hop, and alternative artists. She has cited Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, and Alicia Keys as key inspirations, with the first song she learned to sing properly being Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You.” Nigerian artists like Asa and Burna Boy also shaped her perspective.
Her self-taught production background allowed her to maintain creative control. This DIY ethos is evident in her early work, where she handled much of the writing, vocals, and production herself. Her voice, described as deep and velvety, sets her apart, conveying vulnerability and strength in equal measure.
Tems Career Beginnings
In 2018, Tems quit her job to pursue music full time. She released her debut single “Mr Rebel” on 18 July 2018, a self-produced track that introduced her unique style. This was followed by “Looku Looku” and “Try Me” in 2019, with the latter gaining significant attention in Nigeria.
Her breakthrough came in 2020 with the release of her debut EP, For Broken Ears. The project included standout tracks like “Damages” and later “Free Mind,” which became a major hit. That same year, her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” propelled her to global fame. The remix with Justin Bieber helped the song peak at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a historic moment for Afrobeats.
Tems Rise to Global Prominence
Following “Essence,” Tems collaborated with high-profile artists. She appeared on Drake’s “Fountains” from his 2021 album Certified Lover Boy. In 2021, she signed with RCA Records and released her second EP, If Orange Was a Place, featuring “Crazy Tings” and “Found” with Brent Faiyaz.
In 2022, she featured on Future’s “Wait for U” alongside Drake, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems became the first African female artist to achieve this. The track earned her first Grammy win for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023. She also contributed to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, co-writing Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” which received an Oscar nomination. Additionally, she appeared on Beyoncé’s Renaissance.
Tems Discography and Major Releases
Tems has built a compelling body of work:
- EPs: For Broken Ears (2020), If Orange Was a Place (2021), and Love Is a Kingdom (2025).
- Studio Album: Her debut album Born in the Wild (released 7 June 2024) received critical acclaim. It explores themes of survival, self-discovery, and resilience across 18 tracks, with singles like “Love Me JeJe,” “Me & U,” and “Burning.”
Notable singles as lead artist include “Mr Rebel” (2018), “Try Me” (2019), “Damages” (2020), “Free Mind” (2020/2022), “Crazy Tings” (2021), “Me & U” (2023), “Love Me JeJe” (2024), and others. Her collaborations continue to expand her reach.
Tems Achievements and Awards
Tems has earned numerous accolades. She is the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy and has secured two Grammy Awards total, including one for “Love Me JeJe” in the Best African Music Performance category in 2025. Other wins include multiple BET Awards (such as Best International Act and Best Collaboration), NAACP Image Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards.
She has sold millions of units worldwide, with “Wait for U” surpassing 1 billion Spotify streams. Additional milestones include a Billboard Women in Music Award and partnerships like ownership in San Diego FC. Her tour Born in the Wild has showcased her live performance strength.
Tems Songwriting and Production Contributions
Beyond her solo work, Tems is a skilled songwriter and producer. She has written for other artists and contributed to major projects, including the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Her production often features on her own releases, emphasizing her hands-on approach.
Tems Personal Life
Tems keeps her personal life relatively private. She was raised in a Christian family and values peace and quiet, referring to her need for solitude as “energy-saving mode.” As of available information, she is single and focuses on her career and family, particularly her close bond with her mother and brother. She has spoken about past feelings of not being supported and uses those experiences to fuel her music.
She maintains a connection to her roots in Lagos while navigating global success. Tems has expressed a desire for her impact to remain meaningful beyond commercial achievements.
Tems Impact on Afrobeats and Global Music
Tems has played a pivotal role in the global rise of Afrobeats and African music. Her genre-blending style has influenced a new wave of artists and helped open doors for Nigerian talent on international stages. She represents authenticity, self-production, and emotional depth in an industry often driven by trends. Her success demonstrates the power of cultural fusion and perseverance.
Tems Future Prospects
With a growing discography, ongoing tours, and new collaborations, Tems continues to evolve. Her third EP Love Is a Kingdom (2025) and further projects suggest sustained creativity. She remains committed to her label Since ’93 and independent vision while expanding her influence in music, business, and culture.
Conclusion
Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, has carved a unique path from the neighborhoods of Lagos to the world’s biggest stages. Her soulful voice, honest songwriting, and dedication to craft have made her a beacon for African artistry and a beloved figure globally. As she continues to create and inspire, Tems stands as a testament to the transformative power of music and personal resilience.
FAQs
What is Tems full name and date of birth?
Temilade Openiyi was born on 11 June 1995.
Where was Tems born and what is her nationality?
She was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and is Nigerian.
What are some of Tems most popular songs?
Key tracks include “Essence” (with Wizkid), “Free Mind,” “Love Me JeJe,” “Me & U,” “Damages,” and “Crazy Tings.”
How many Grammy Awards has Tems won?
Tems has won two Grammy Awards as of 2025.
What is Tems debut studio album?
Born in the Wild, released in June 2024.
Did Tems study music in university?
No, she studied economics at Monash South Africa but is self-taught in music production.
Is Tems involved in any business ventures outside music?
Yes, she has a partnership with San Diego FC in Major League Soccer.