Tems (Temilade Openiyi)

📍 Quick Facts

• Full Name: Temilade Openiyi
• Stage Name: Tems
• Date of Birth: June 11, 1995
• Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria
• Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
• Genre: Afrobeats, R&B, Alte, Soul
• Legacy: The voice of a new generation, Tems is the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy, earning global recognition with her unique sound.

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🌱 Early Life

• Born in Lagos to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father.
• Parents separated when she was young; raised primarily by her mother.
• Grew up in Lagos, where she developed her love for music.
• Attended Dowen College in Lagos and later studied Economics at Monash South Africa University in Johannesburg.
• Inspired by artists like Asa, Lauryn Hill, Sade, and Adele.

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🎤 Musical Career

🌟 Breakthrough

• In 2018, released her debut single “Mr Rebel”, gaining attention for her soulful and alternative style.
• In 2019, her song “Try Me” became a viral anthem across Africa, marking her rise.

🚀 Global Recognition

• Featured on Wizkid’s global hit “Essence” (2020), which reached the Billboard Hot 100 and became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Top 10.
• Collaborated with Drake on his album Certified Lover Boy (2021).
• Worked with Future and Drake on the song “Wait For U” (2022), which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first Nigerian artist in history to debut at No. 1.

🎼 Solo Projects

• Released her debut EP “For Broken Ears” (2020), with standout track Damages.
• Followed with “If Orange Was A Place” (2021), featuring Crazy Tings.

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🏆 Awards & Achievements

• Grammy Award (2023): Best Melodic Rap Performance for Wait For U (with Future & Drake).
• BET Awards: Best International Act (2022).
• Billboard Women in Music: Breakthrough Artist (2023).
• Academy Award Nomination (2023): For co-writing Rihanna’s Lift Me Up (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever).
• First Nigerian female artist to achieve such global milestones.

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🌍 Influence & Style

• Tems’ music blends Afrobeats, R&B, soul, and alte vibes, giving her a distinctive sound that resonates worldwide.
• Represents the new wave of Nigerian women artists breaking barriers internationally.
• Known for her soulful voice, introspective lyrics, and bold authenticity.

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💬 Famous Quote

“I don’t think of limits. I want to be as true to myself as possible and let my music speak for me.”

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🏦 Legacy

• Tems is seen as the face of a new era of Afrobeats, where Nigerian music transcends borders and dominates global charts.
• She has inspired a generation of young African women to chase their dreams in music and beyond.
• With her rapid rise, Tems continues to position Nigeria at the center of global music culture.

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✅ Conclusion

From Lagos to the Grammy stage, Tems’ journey is a story of raw talent, authenticity, and international success. She is not just a Nigerian star—she is a global icon in the making, carrying the voice of Africa to the world.