Picture this: an artist who builds their throne out of voice, style, and sheer audacity, and then invites the world to bow. That’s Tems for you.
She isn’t only making waves; she’s revolutionizing the entire soundscape.

Temilade Openiyi, widely recognized by her stage name Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. As a trailblazer in the music industry, she is redefining the landscape of Nigerian and African artistry with her unique sound and powerful vocals. Tems’ journey to stardom was not a straightforward one; instead, she carved her own path through sheer determination and exceptional talent. Her music blends elements of R&B, soul, and Afrobeat, allowing her to connect with a diverse audience while celebrating her cultural roots. 

She first caught the world’s ear as the haunting voice behind Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2020, a track that broke barriers by reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a global anthem. That wasn’t just a feature, it was a calling card.

Born in the Wild: A Remarkable Debut

Fast forward to June 2024, when Tems dropped her debut studio album, Born in the Wild.

• Billboard 200: Debuted at number 56 with 16,500 units sold, making it the highest-charting U.S. album by a Nigerian woman.
• International success: Landed in the Top 30 in the UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland; even broke into the Portuguese charts, a first for a Nigerian project.
• Critical acclaim: NPR called it “soulful, spiritual, and self-assured.”
  

Awards That Celebrate Her Exceptional Talent

Tems didn’t just release music; she also garnered numerous accolades. By 2025, she had achieved:

• Two Grammys—more than any other Nigerian artist.
  
• Grammy Wins:
  • 2023 — Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U” with Future & Drake.
  • 2025 — Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe.”
  

Nominations for her debut album and single:
• Best Global Music Album (Born in the Wild)
• Best R&B Song (Burning)
All at the 67th Grammys. 

Songs That Became Cultural Currency

• “Love Me JeJe” blends Afrobeat and R&B, sampling Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 hit and streaming millions of times since release in April 2024.
• “Burning”, produced with GuiltyBeatz and Spax, cracked the Grammy list for Best R&B Song.
• “Wait for U”—Tems’ feature debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her global clout.
  

Next Level

She didn’t stop at music. In early 2025, Tems became the first African woman to buy into a Major League Soccer team, joining San Diego FC’s ownership group through her company The Leading Vibe. Her partners include filmmaker Issa Rae, footballer Juan Mata, and others. 

Tems embodies a rare kind of stardom characterized by quiet confidence. Her music resonates powerfully, conveying deep emotions and messages without the need for overt expressions. Every movement she makes is purposeful, drawing attention without the need for flamboyance. She remains true to herself effortlessly, creating an intimate connection with her audience while respecting the boundaries of her personal life. 

Though her influence is global, she never loses sight of her roots in Lagos, showcasing the rich cultural beauty of her environment. Tems serves as a strong testament to the idea that African excellence isn’t something to be requested or awaited; rather, it is a force that manifests inevitably through talent, authenticity, and hard work. Her presence not only elevates her own artistic journey but also paves the way for a broader recognition of African voices on the international stage.