When Tems stepped into the limelight, it wasn’t through grand declarations but through hushed vulnerability. Her voice, rich with emotion and texture, felt like a secret being whispered — and yet those whispers have echoed around the world. Tems is more than a singer; she is an artistic force redefining what global Afrobeats and alté can be.
Early Life & Education
Born Temilade Openiyi on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems carries a name full of promise: in Yoruba, Temilade means “the crown is mine.” Her childhood saw transitions — after her parents separated, she moved with her mother from the UK back to Nigeria at around age 5. She lived in Ilupeju, later moved through Lekki and Ajah neighbourhoods, experiences that would subtly infuse her sensibilities with Lagos’ hustle and heart.
From a young age Tems was shy but curious. She joined her school choir around age 11, often singing in falsetto, and was supported by a music teacher who also taught her piano. Her brother’s guitar accompaniment helped her explore melody and sound in their home. By secondary school she was already experimenting with songwriting and sound sketches. Education called too — she attended Dowen College in Lagos, then later studied economics at Monash South Africa. But music always pulled at her.Initiation into Music: From “Mr Rebel” to For Broken Ears
In 2018, Tems made a bold decision: she quit her job in digital marketing to pursue music fully. That same year, she released “Mr Rebel” — a self-produced track that introduced her sound: raw, soulful, minimal yet powerful. Over the next year, she released songs like “Looku Looku” and then “Try Me” in August 2019. It was “Try Me” that earned her early acclaim and confirmed that she was no longer just an emerging artist but someone to watch.
The turning point came with her debut EP, For Broken Ears, released 25 September 2020. Produced largely by herself and close collaborators, the EP featured songs like “Free Mind”, “Damages”, “Higher” that resonated for their emotional honesty and sonic space. “Damages” in particular found strong resonance in Nigeria and streaming platforms, becoming a follow-up hit to “Try Me.”
Breakthroughs & Major Collaborations
Tems’ profile changed substantially when she was featured on “Essence” by Wizkid in 2020. The song was already beloved locally, but after the remix with Justin Bieber it exploded globally, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Grammy nominations. Another major collaboration came with Future & Drake on “Wait For U”, which sampled her vocals from “Higher” and gave Tems her first No. 1 debut on the Billboard Hot 100. These features didn’t dilute her sound — they amplified it, carrying her voice to new audiences while keeping its emotional core intact.
Her single “Free Mind” is another landmark. Though released in 2020, it found delayed but powerful traction in the U.S., entering the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. It proved that Tems’ appeal isn’t tied to hype cycles — her music grows with listeners, sometimes slowly, but with staying power.
By 2022 and 2023, recognition followed. She won her first Grammy for Wait For U (Best Melodic Rap Performance) and later, another Grammy for Love Me JeJe off her 2024 album Born in the Wild. At the same time, her debut full album earned acclaim for blending Nigerian and Western sonic textures, and her live performances started filling international venues.
Born in the Wild: The Album That Defined Tems
By the time Tems announced her debut album Born in the Wild in mid-2024, expectations were enormous. The record, released under RCA Records and Since ’93, showed how far she had come from the introspective producer of “Mr Rebel.” It was not simply an Afrobeats album — it was a carefully crafted statement about independence, identity, and evolution.
The album opens with “Born in the Wild,” a song that explores personal growth through metaphor and vulnerability. Tracks such as “Love Me JeJe” pay homage to classic Nigerian sounds, interpolating Seyi Sodimu’s 1990s hit while modernising it for global audiences. Meanwhile, “Burning,” “Unfortunate,” and “Me & U” expand her sonic palette into cinematic R&B, rooted in Lagos but polished for the world stage.
Critics from publications such as Rolling Stone and The Guardian Nigeria praised the project for its emotional depth and technical restraint. Tems earned a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe,” cementing her as one of Africa’s most accomplished modern voices. Her creative control stood out — she co-wrote, co-produced, and co-directed much of her visual output, ensuring that her artistry remained unmistakably personal.
Tems’ Musical Style and Artistic Vision
Tems’ music sits at the intersection of Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and alternative pop. Yet, what truly defines her sound is restraint — she leaves space for emotion to breathe. Her lyrics often balance melancholy and empowerment, offering listeners comfort rather than escapism.
Sonically, she draws from influences such as Lauryn Hill, Asa, and Frank Ocean. However, her tone is instantly recognisable — slightly husky, rich in texture, and brimming with sincerity. This minimalism makes her a contrast to the high-energy rhythms dominating Afrobeats. It also explains why her voice fits seamlessly across genres — whether on Wizkid’s “Essence”, Future’s “Wait For U”, or her own meditative ballads.
Her lyrics are deeply personal. Songs like “Higher” and “Free Mind” explore vulnerability, mental health, and perseverance. She once said in an interview with BBC Africa that her goal is to “make music that heals.” That clarity of purpose underpins every record she releases.
Fashion, Public Persona, and Cultural Influence
Beyond her voice, Tems has become a global fashion and cultural icon. Known for bold silhouettes and avant-garde designs, she often collaborates with Nigerian designers to showcase local talent on international red carpets. Her appearance at the 2023 Oscars — where her sculptural white gown trended worldwide — marked a turning point: an unapologetic declaration of African creativity on the global stage.
Tems’ quiet confidence distinguishes her from many contemporaries. She rarely overshares online, preferring to let her art speak. Yet, when she speaks, she commands attention — advocating for women’s empowerment, creative ownership, and authenticity in a male-dominated industry. Many upcoming artists, including Ayra Starr and other female Afrobeats singers, cite Tems as proof that you can succeed globally without conforming to stereotypes.
Challenges and Triumphs on the Journey
Tems’ rise hasn’t been effortless. Early in her career, she faced industry rejection and limited support for women producing their own music. She has also spoken openly about burnout and the difficulty of balancing fame with self-care. During a 2022 interview with GQ, she explained that she turned down several collaborations to “protect her energy and keep her sound authentic.”
That discipline has paid off. Instead of chasing virality, she builds longevity. Her tours — from Lagos to London, Los Angeles, and Johannesburg — routinely sell out. Critics describe her live shows as spiritual experiences, not just concerts. Her use of live instrumentation and cinematic lighting elevates the performance into storytelling.
Tems’ Global Legacy and Influence on Afrobeats
Tems represents a new chapter in Afrobeats: one where authenticity transcends commercial formulas. While many of her peers chase dance-floor hits, Tems exports introspection — and audiences across continents connect with it. Her Grammy wins, BET Awards, and NAACP Image Awards place her alongside global icons such as Burna Boy and Rema in shaping the sound of contemporary African music.
Her success also challenges gender norms. Historically, Afrobeats has been dominated by male figures such as 2Face Idibia and Wizkid. Tems’ rise signals a shift — one where women define the genre’s future as much as its past. Music critics have even called her “the Sade of her generation,” for her ability to balance quiet power with mass appeal.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Tems born?
Tems was born on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria.
What is Tems’ real name?
Her full name is Temilade Openiyi.
What are Tems’ biggest songs?
Her most popular songs include “Free Mind,” “Essence,” “Love Me JeJe,” “Try Me,” and “Higher.”
Which awards has Tems won?
She has received a Grammy Award, a BET Award, multiple Headies Awards, and several international nominations.
What is Tems’ debut album?
Her debut studio album is Born in the Wild, released in 2024 under RCA Records.
How did Tems become famous?
She gained attention through “Try Me” (2019), broke internationally with Wizkid’s “Essence,” and consolidated her success with global hits like “Free Mind” and “Love Me JeJe.”
What’s next for Tems?
Tems has hinted at expanding into film scoring and production, while continuing her world tour and mentoring young African women in music.
Final Reflections
Tems’ biography reads like a modern African fairy tale — one built not on luck, but on courage, patience, and self-belief. She has shown that vulnerability can be power, and that music born from truth resonates universally. Her evolution from the quiet girl in a Lagos choir to a Grammy-winning global artist is not just her story — it’s a blueprint for the next generation of dreamers redefining what African music can be.
For more on related artists shaping the continent’s sound, explore our features on Burna Boy’s global impact, Rema’s rise, Ayra Starr’s profile, and 2Baba’s enduring influence.