Tems: The Voice That Carried Afrobeats to a New Global Era
Temilade Openiyi
Tems (born Temilade Openiyi, June 11, 1995) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer whose blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and alté helped push African music deeper into the global mainstream.
Early life and background
Tems was born in Lagos, Nigeria. As a baby she lived in the United Kingdom, then returned to Nigeria after her parents’ divorce when she was about five, growing up in Lagos (including Ilupeju, later Lekki/Ajah).
She attended Dowen College and later studied at Monash South Africa, earning a degree in economics.
Finding her sound
In her early years, Tems developed her voice through school music and self driven practice, gradually moving from singing to songwriting and production. She became known for a distinct, moody, melodic style that feels both intimate and powerful, often centered on confidence, vulnerability, and self ownership.
Breakthrough and global rise
Tems gained major international attention after appearing on Wizkid’s “Essence” (2020), a landmark Afrobeats crossover record that reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 after the remix release and earned Grammy recognition.
That same era also saw her connect with global audiences through high profile collaborations, helping establish her as a standout voice beyond Nigeria.
Major projects
She released her debut EP For Broken Ears (2020), which introduced her core sound to a wider audience.
Her debut studio album Born in the Wild was released on June 7, 2024, marking a major career milestone and expanding her international reach.
Awards and landmark achievements
Tems was credited as a co writer on “Lift Me Up” (from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), which earned an Academy Award nomination in the Best Original Song category.
In 2025, she won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance (67th Grammy Awards), further cementing her place among Africa’s biggest global stars.
Why Tems matters
Tems represents a modern African pop star who is also a creator at the core—an artist praised for voice, writing, and artistic control. Her success has helped widen space for African women in global music, while her sound continues to influence the direction of contemporary Afrobeats and alté.
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