Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, Temilade Openiyi grew up in a multicultural household with a Nigerian mother and British-Nigerian father.
After her parents separated, she was raised by her mother in Ilupeju, later moving to Lekki and Ajah.
Her early exposure to gospel music and later discovery of artists like Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé shaped her unique sound—a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul.
Self-made and self-taught
Tems didn’t wait for a record label to discover her. She quit her job in digital marketing, taught herself music production via YouTube, and released her debut single “Mr Rebel” in 2018. Her breakout track “Try Me” (2019) cemented her as a rising force in Nigeria’s alté scene.
The “Essence” of global stardom
Her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2020 was a cultural reset. The song became the first Nigerian track to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, especially after the Justin Bieber remix. It earned her a Grammy nomination and global acclaim.
Grammy gold & billboard glory
Tems made history in 2023 by winning the Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on Future’s “Wait For U” with Drake. She became the first African female artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The voice behind the blockbusters
Tems co-wrote “Lift Me Up” for Rihanna, the lead single for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The song earned her nominations at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys—making her the first Nigerian artist to be nominated in all three.
Born in the wild: her debut album
In June 2024, Tems released her debut studio album Born in the Wild, a genre-blending masterpiece that charted in the UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland. Tracks like “Love Me JeJe” and “Me & U” showcased her lyrical depth and sonic evolution.
Fashion, feminism & fearlessness
Tems isn’t just a musical icon—she’s a fashion trailblazer. She became the first female Afrobeats artist to attend the Met Gala in 2023, turning heads with her bold, sculptural looks. She’s also vocal about women’s empowerment and creative independence.
A global stage: from NBA to FIFA
She’s performed at the NBA All-Star Game halftime show and is set to headline the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup Final halftime show in July 2025, alongside Doja Cat and J Balvin. Her performances are not just concerts—they’re cultural moments.
9. Accolades that speak volumes
Tems has racked up an impressive trophy shelf:
- 2 Grammy Awards
- 4 BET Awards
- 4 NAACP Image Awards
- 3 Soul Train Music Awards
- Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Award (2024)
Legacy in the making
Tems is more than a singer—she’s a movement. She’s redefined what it means to be a Nigerian artist on the world stage, blending vulnerability with power, and tradition with innovation. As she once said, “I want to make music that lives forever.” And she’s well on her way.
