Tems – Biography

Early Life and Background

Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. She was raised in a family that fostered her love for music, although she was also exposed to diverse academic fields. Tems spent part of her childhood in the United Kingdom, having moved there at the age of five. However, she returned to Nigeria at the age of eleven to complete her secondary education. During her time in Nigeria, she began developing a passion for music and songwriting, influenced by her love for different genres, including alternative R&B, soul, and Afrobeats.

Tems learned to play the piano in her teens, which was a significant influence on her songwriting. Her academic background includes studying Economics at the University of Lagos, where she balanced her studies with her growing musical ambitions. Tems was also influenced by her mother’s strong work ethic and faith, which shaped her personality and approach to life.

Musical Journey and Breakthrough

Tems’ musical journey began in earnest when she started sharing her music on social media. Her debut single “Mr. Rebel” was released in 2018, but it was the release of “Try Me” in 2019 that truly marked her breakthrough. “Try Me” became an instant hit, showcasing her unique fusion of alternative R&B with Afrobeats. The song was widely praised for its soulful vocals, thoughtful lyrics, and captivating production.

This early success led to several notable collaborations with major artists. Tems gained attention from Wizkid, one of the biggest names in Afrobeats, and featured on his track “Essence” in 2020. This collaboration was monumental, as “Essence” became an international smash hit, charting globally and helping propel Afrobeats into mainstream global music spaces. The song also earned critical acclaim and has been regarded as one of the standout songs in the global Afrobeat movement.

Tems also began receiving attention from other international artists, including Drake, who featured her on his track “Fountains” from his album “Certified Lover Boy” (2021). This partnership marked a significant step in her global recognition.

Albums and EPs

In 2020, Tems released her debut EP titled “For Broken Ears”, which included hits like “Damages” and “Free Mind”. The EP was well-received, with the songs’ lyrical depth, emotional rawness, and innovative production resonating with listeners both in Nigeria and internationally. Her blend of soulful melodies with Afrobeats undertones continued to set her apart in the rapidly growing African music scene.

In 2021, Tems released another successful EP, “If Orange Was a Place”, which showcased collaborations with other renowned artists, including Brent Faiyaz on the song “Found”. This EP further established her as a force in contemporary music, with her ability to blend genres such as alternative R&B, Afrobeats, and soul gaining international recognition.

Breakthrough in Global Music

One of Tems’ most defining moments came with her contribution to the soundtrack of the 2022 Marvel blockbuster “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”. She co-wrote and performed the emotional track “Lift Me Up”, which was a tribute to Chadwick Boseman, the late star of the first Black Panther film. The song was widely praised for its haunting beauty, and its success earned Tems a Grammy nomination for Best Original Song at the 2023 Academy Awards.

This achievement marked a key milestone in her career, highlighting her growing influence not just in the African music scene but also in global music circles. The song’s success led to Tems being widely recognized as one of the most influential African artists of her generation.

Recent Work and Continued Success

In 2024, Tems released the single “Burning”, which received critical acclaim for its deep emotional resonance and powerful vocals. The track explores themes of love, pain, and self-discovery, further establishing Tems as an artist who is unafraid to express vulnerability through her music.

Tems’ continuous evolution as an artist has seen her collaborate with a variety of prominent artists, further cementing her place in global music history. Her ability to seamlessly blend different genres and create music that resonates with audiences worldwide has earned her recognition as a pioneer of contemporary Afro-fusion.

Her contributions to Afrobeats and alternative R&B have significantly impacted the global music scene. By combining traditional African sounds with elements of trap, soul, and pop, Tems has carved a niche that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Artistic Influence and Style

Tems’ music is characterized by its emotional depth, poetic lyrics, and innovative blend of genres. Her unique voice, which is both soulful and powerful, has garnered her comparisons to international stars such as Sade Adu, Alicia Keys, and Erykah Badu. Tems often writes about themes such as love, heartbreak, empowerment, and personal growth, drawing inspiration from her own experiences as well as the world around her.

Her ability to convey deep emotion through her vocal delivery, combined with her intelligent songwriting, has made her a standout figure in contemporary music. Moreover, her contributions to the global Afrobeats movement have further enhanced her reputation as one of Africa’s most exciting and influential artists.

Personal Life and Advocacy

While Tems is known for keeping much of her personal life private, she has been open about the challenges she has faced in her career and life. Her upbringing and experiences have shaped her as an artist who is not only committed to her craft but also to using her platform to inspire and uplift others.

Tems has also used her success to advocate for women in music, often emphasizing the importance of breaking boundaries and creating opportunities for future generations of African artists, particularly women. Her success is seen as a beacon of hope for many aspiring musicians in Africa and beyond.

Online Presence

Tems is active on social media, where she connects with her growing global fanbase. You can find her on the following platforms:

• Instagram: @temsbaby
• Twitter: @temsbaby
• YouTube: Tems
• Spotify: Tems
• Official Website: Leading Vibe

Discography

• “Mr. Rebel” (2018)
• “Try Me” (2019)
• “Essence” (with Wizkid) (2020)
• “Damages” (2020)
• “Free Mind” (2020)
• “For Broken Ears” (2020 – EP)
• “Found” (with Brent Faiyaz) (2021)
• “Lift Me Up” (2022 – for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever”)
• “Burning” (2024)

Achievements and Recognition

• Grammy Nominations: For her work on “Lift Me Up” (2023 Academy Awards Nominee for Best Original Song)
• BET Awards: Nominated for Best International Act
• MTV Africa Music Awards: Best Female Artist
• Apple Music Up Next Artist (2020)
• Billboard Charting Artist: Multiple charting singles globally

Tems has firmly established herself as one of the most influential artists in Africa and the world. Through her soulful music, innovative sound, and emotional vulnerability, she has connected with audiences worldwide. Her continued success in both the Afrobeats genre and the global music industry showcases her versatility and her capacity to redefine the boundaries of contemporary African music.

Her rise is not just a reflection of her talent but also a testament to the global appeal of African music. With her future work eagerly anticipated by fans around the world, Tems continues to shape the future of global music, making her one of the leading voices of her generation.