Tems – Biography
Early Life and Background
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, grew up in a culturally rich environment that shaped her artistic identity. Her mother is Nigerian, while her father is British-Nigerian, and she was raised primarily by her mother after her parents separated. Tems spent part of her childhood in the United Kingdom before returning to Lagos, where she developed a strong connection to Nigerian culture and music. From a young age, she showed an interest in singing and began writing her own songs during her teenage years. She attended Dowen College in Lagos and later studied Economics at Monash South Africa, a university affiliated with Monash University in Australia.
Entry Into Music and Early Career
Tems began pursuing music professionally in 2018, producing her own tracks and cultivating a unique sound that blended alternative R&B with Afrobeat and soul. In 2018, she released her debut single “Mr Rebel,” which quickly gained attention for its haunting vocals and introspective lyrics. Her breakout single “Try Me” followed in 2019, propelling her to wider recognition in Nigeria and beyond. Unlike many emerging artists, Tems handled most aspects of her music independently, including writing, producing, and vocal direction. Her originality and authenticity helped her stand out in an industry dominated by mainstream pop sounds.
Breakthrough and International Success
Tems’s major breakthrough came in 2020 when she collaborated with Wizkid on the global hit “Essence,” featured on his album “Made in Lagos.” The song became a cultural phenomenon and marked the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems’s ethereal voice and compelling delivery earned her international acclaim and introduced her to a broader audience. This success was followed by her 2021 EP “If Orange Was a Place,” which included standout tracks like “Crazy Tings.” That same year, she was featured on Drake’s album “Certified Lover Boy” on the track “Fountains,” further cementing her place as a rising global star in contemporary R&B and Afrobeat music.
Musical Style and Influences
Tems is known for her soulful, emotive voice and minimalist production that blends alternative R&B with African musical elements. Her lyrics often explore themes of emotional resilience, self-worth, love, and freedom. Influenced by artists like Lauryn Hill, Frank Ocean, and Asa, Tems creates music that is both introspective and globally resonant. Her ability to seamlessly merge African rhythms with Western alternative sounds has garnered praise from critics and fans alike. Tems has been recognized for crafting a new sound within the Afrobeats genre, offering a more introspective and intimate experience compared to its typically high-energy aesthetic.
Awards and Recognition
Tems has received numerous accolades for her contributions to music, including a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for her collaboration on “Wait for U” with Future and Drake. She has also earned BET Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, and a NAACP Image Award. Her nominations and wins reflect her growing influence as a genre-defying artist representing the new generation of Nigerian musicians. With each release and high-profile collaboration, Tems continues to gain recognition as one of the most distinctive and powerful voices in global music.
Personal Life and Public Image
Tems maintains a relatively private personal life, choosing to let her music speak for itself. She is known for her introspective and grounded personality, often emphasizing authenticity and creative integrity in interviews. Despite her rising fame, she remains committed to staying true to her artistic vision and cultural roots. Tems frequently discusses the importance of mental wellness, independence, and self-expression, especially for women in the music industry. Her growing fan base admires her not only for her voice but also for her strength and individuality in an often competitive and commercial landscape.
Conclusion
Tems has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most compelling musical talents, known for her unique voice, emotional depth, and ability to cross genres and cultures. From her early singles to her international collaborations and Grammy-winning achievements, she continues to redefine what it means to be a Nigerian artist on the global stage. Her music speaks to a generation seeking authenticity and soul, and she remains a beacon of originality in the ever-evolving world of Afrobeat and R&B. With a bright future ahead, Tems is poised to become a lasting force in global music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Tems known for?
Tems is known for her soulful voice, genre-blending music, and hit collaborations with artists like Wizkid, Drake, and Future.
Where is Tems from?
Tems is from Lagos, Nigeria, though she also spent part of her early life in the United Kingdom.
What was Tems’s breakout song?
Her breakout song was “Try Me” in 2019, followed by global recognition with “Essence” in 2020.
Has Tems won a Grammy?
Yes, she won a Grammy in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U” with Future and Drake.
What genre is Tems’s music?
Her music blends alternative R&B, soul, and Afrobeat, often characterized by minimalist production and emotional lyrics.