Tems – Bio, Career, Age, Achievements

Get to know Tems

Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has become one of the most influential African artists in the world. She gained international recognition with her feature on Wizkid‘s hit single “Essence” (2020), which became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100’s top 10. She co-wrote and featured on Future‘s “Wait for U” featuring Drake, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. She won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U” at the 65th Grammy Awards, making her the first Nigerian artist to win a Grammy. She released her debut studio album Born in the Wild (2024) to widespread critical acclaim.

Birth name: Temilade Openiyi

Career
Singer, songwriter, record producer

Birthday
June 11, 1995

Age

Zodiac Sign:
Gemini

Birthplace:
Lagos, Nigeria

Nationality:
Nigerian

HOW BIG IS Tems ON THE NET?

Tems has an enormous online following with millions of followers on Instagram under the handle @temsbaby. She is one of the most streamed African artists globally on Spotify and Apple Music. Her music crosses genre boundaries, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative sounds. She has been featured on the covers of major international publications including Vogue, Rolling Stone, and GQ.

HOW DID Tems become famous?

Tems released her debut single “Mr Rebel” in 2018 and gained attention in Nigeria with “Try Me” (2019), which became a viral hit. Her international breakthrough came when she was featured on Wizkid‘s “Essence” (2020), which became a global smash. She then featured on Drake‘s “Fountains” and co-wrote Future‘s number-one hit “Wait for U” featuring Drake, winning a Grammy Award. Her debut EP If Orange Was a Place (2021) cemented her status as a global star.

BEFORE THE FAME

Before becoming an international star, Tems grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. She was raised by her single mother and attended Dowen College in Lagos. She studied economics at a South African university. She began writing songs at the age of 11, inspired by Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, and Asa. She taught herself to produce music and spent years developing her sound before releasing her debut single in 2018.

CLOSE WITH (ASSOCIATED)

Tems featured on Wizkid‘s global hit “Essence” and co-wrote Future‘s “Wait for U” featuring Drake. She has collaborated with Beyoncé on the Renaissance album, Rihanna on “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, and J. Cole. She co-wrote the Oscar-nominated song “Lift Me Up” for Rihanna. She is signed to RCA Records.

Personal Life and Relationship

Tems keeps her personal life very private. She grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and was raised by her mother. She is known for her independent, self-assured personality and her commitment to artistic integrity. She has spoken about the importance of staying true to her vision and not compromising her sound for commercial success. She is dedicated to representing Nigeria and Africa on the global stage.