Tems – Essence
| Stage Name: | Tems |
| Real Name: | Temilade Openiyi |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 11th June 1995 (29 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Lagos State |
| Gender: | Female |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not married |
| Education: | Monash South Africa |
| Known for: | Essence |
Early Life & Education
Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, started a remarkable journey that shaped her into the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and record producer that she is today. At just an infant’s age, her family relocated to the UK, but destiny had different plans. By the time she was five, her family returned to Nigeria following her parents’ separation. Tems’ early years saw her residing in Ilupeju before making homes in Lekki and Ajah. Her educational journey took her to Dowen College for secondary education and Monash South Africa for tertiary education. It was during her school days that Tems discovered her passion for music, learning to play the piano and practicing singing with her brother.
Career Beginnings
In 2018, Tems took a bold step, quitting her job to pursue a career in music. With determination, she delved into self-production skills through YouTube tutorials. July 18, 2018, she independently released her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” showcasing her multifaceted talents as a singer and producer. The following year, on August 7, 2019, she dropped another single, “Try Me.” Recognition swiftly followed in 2020 when DJ Edu listed her as one of “ten artists to watch.” Tems’ collaborative efforts with global artists also began to gain attention. On April 23, 2020, she featured alongside Davido on a reworked version of Khalid and Disclosure’s single, “Know Your Worth.”
Debut EP and Collaborations
September 25, 2020, marked a pivotal moment in Tems’ career as she released her debut extended play, “For Broken Ears,” showcasing her skills as a producer. The single “Damages” from the EP became a chart-topping hit in Nigeria, solidifying Tems’ position in the music scene. Later that year, she collaborated with Wizkid on the hit single “Essence,” propelling her to international acclaim. The song’s success led to a Grammy nomination and a feature on Drake’s “Fountains” in the same year.
Record Deal and Second EP
In 2021, Tems signed a record deal with RCA Records, setting the stage for her continued ascent. On September 15, 2021, she released her second extended play, “If Orange Was a Place,” featuring the hit single “Crazy Things,” which reached number three on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart. This EP further established Tems as a force to be reckoned with in the global music scene.
Global Recognition
In 2022, Tems’ vocals from her song “Higher” were sampled by Future on “Wait for U,” a collaboration with Drake that debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This groundbreaking achievement made Tems the first African artist to debut at number one on the chart. The song not only earned her a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance but also marked her as the second Nigerian artist to top the Billboard Hot 100.
Multifaceted Talent
Tems’ talent extends beyond singing and producing, as she co-wrote Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” earning her nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and another Grammy Award. Her versatility was showcased in July 2022 when she covered Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” for the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack album, solidifying her presence in the global music landscape.
Awards and Accolades
Tems’ contributions to the music industry have not gone unnoticed. Throughout her career, she has amassed numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, two NAACP Image Awards, three BET Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards. Her achievements reflect not only her talent but also her impact on the global music stage.
Legal Hurdles and Triumphs
Tems faced a legal challenge in December 2020 when she and fellow artist Omah Lay were arrested in Uganda, citing COVID-19 lockdown protocol violations. However, they were released two days later, and the charges were dropped, marking a triumph over adversity.
Latest Releases and Continuing Success: “Me & U” and “Not An Angel”
In October 2023, Tems released the single “Me & U,” a testament to her consistent creative output. The song peaked at number 1 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart and number 34 on the UK Singles Chart, further solidifying her position as a global sensation. Anticipation for her next release, “Not An Angel,” continues to build as fans eagerly await another musical masterpiece.
Artistic Influences and Musical Style
Tems’ musical journey reflects a diverse range of influences, from her early exposure to Christian music to her teenage fascination with R&B and hip-hop. Artists like Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé, Lil Wayne, Aaliyah, Burna Boy, Lauryn Hill, Adele, Rihanna, Coldplay, Paramore, and Asa have all played a role in shaping her unique musical identity. Her deep, velvety, and androgynous voice sets her apart, creating a signature sound that resonates with listeners worldwide.
Recognition Beyond Music
Tems’ impact extends beyond the music realm. In February 2023, she won the Female MVP award at the Soundcity MVP Awards, held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos. Her inclusion in fashion’s prestigious Met Gala in May 2023 further made her status as a cultural icon. Additionally, being listed on the 2023 Time 100 Next list highlights her influence and potential to shape the future.
Husband and Kids
She is currently unmarried and has no kids.
Net Worth
Tems has achieved remarkable success in her music career, and this is reflected in her substantial net worth, estimated to be over 3 million dollars. You can find her on Instagram.