Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, has taken the music world by storm, rising from a bullied teenager to a global superstar. With her soulful, raspy vocals and introspective lyrics, she has become a beacon of hope for young artists and a symbol of Afrobeats’ growing influence on the global music scene.
Tems’ journey began in London, where she was born, and later moved to Nigeria with her mother and brother after her parents’ divorce. She struggled to find her place, facing bullying from peers and teachers alike. However, she found solace in music, particularly in the school choir and music room, where her teacher, Mr. Sosan, mentored her.
After ditching her digital marketing job in 2018, Tems pursued music full-time, teaching herself production skills on YouTube. Her debut single, “Mr. Rebel,” was released in July 2018, followed by “Try Me” in August 2019. The latter gained widespread recognition, and Tems’ online presence grew, as did her confidence.
In 2020, Tems was featured on Khalid and Disclosure’s single “Know Your Worth,” alongside Davido. This exposure led to her breakthrough EP, “For Broken Ears,” released in September 2020. The EP’s success paved the way for international collaborations, including with Drake, Wizkid, and Khalid.
Tems’ feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” (2021) earned her a Grammy nomination and solidified her position as a leading figure in Afrobeats. Her second EP, “If Orange Was a Place,” was released in September 2021, followed by a recording deal with RCA Records.
In 2023, Tems made history by becoming the first Nigerian young female artist to win a Grammy, taking home the award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U.” Her second Grammy win came in 2025 for “Best African Musical Performance” with the hit song “Love Me JeJe.”
Tems’ remarkable journey is a testament to her resilience, talent, and cultural pride. As she continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeats and R&B, her devoted fan base eagerly awaits her next move. With a highly anticipated debut album on the horizon, Tems is poised to solidify her position as the Afrobeats Queen further.
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