Biography

Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer whose soulful voice and emotionally rich lyrics have redefined the soundscape of contemporary African music. Born in Lagos in 1995, Tems grew up immersed in a mix of Nigerian gospel, alternative R&B, and global pop influences—a fusion that laid the foundation for her ethereal sound.

Tems first caught mainstream attention with her 2019 breakout single Try Me, a raw and empowering anthem that introduced her distinct, smoky vocals and moody production style. Her debut EP, For Broken Ears (2020), further established her as a fearless new voice, with standout tracks like Damages and Free Mind receiving both critical acclaim and global recognition.

Her trajectory soared in 2021 after collaborating with Wizkid on the chart-topping hit Essence, which became a global Afrobeats anthem. The song earned a remix featuring Justin Bieber and became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. That same year, she was featured on Fountains by Drake, cementing her status as an international star.

Tems’ sophomore EP If Orange Was a Place (2021) showcased her range and emotional depth, while her 2022 contribution to Black Panther: Wakanda Forever and feature on Future’s Grammy-winning track Wait for U proved her versatility across genres.

Tems is celebrated not just for her music but for her authenticity, artistic control, and impact as a trailblazing Nigerian woman in a global male-dominated space. She represents a new wave of African artists who create with depth, vision, and unapologetic truth.

Related Artists