Biography of Tems: From Choir Girl to Grammy Winner
Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has risen from humble beginnings in Lagos to become one of the most influential voices in global music. This blog chronicles her journey—her early life, artistic evolution, collaborations, chart-breaking achievements, and extraordinary award successes.
Early Life & Musical Roots
Tems was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Nigerian mother and a British–Nigerian father. Soon after her birth, she moved to the UK with her parents, but following their divorce at age five, she returned to Nigeria with her mother—where her artistic identity began to take shape.
Music became her calling at a young age. She joined her school choir, where she encountered a supportive music teacher who nurtured her talent. During her university years studying economics at Monash University in South Africa, she taught herself beat-making and continued writing songs, preparing for the career that awaited her.
Breakthrough & the Rise of “Spirit” Sound
Tems’ public debut came with her 2018 single “Mr Rebel,” a soulful and emotionally rich track that marked her transition from a digital marketing job to pursuing music full-time. She described her style as “Spirit”, explaining that her songs emanate from her soul—a defining signature of her artistry.
She followed up with other standout tracks like “Looku Looku” and “Try Me” in 2019, growing a loyal fanbase dubbed the “Rebel Gang.” These early moves set the foundation for her breakout moment.
Global Spotlight With “Essence” and Major Collaborations
Tems gained international recognition through her unforgettable feature on Wizkid’s 2020 hit, “Essence.” That collaboration helped elevate Afrobeats on the world stage and earned her a Grammy nomination. The song peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 following a remix featuring Justin Bieber.
This exposure opened the doors to high-profile collaborations with Future and Drake on “Wait for U,” which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100—marking Tems as the first African artist to debut atop the chart.
She also appeared on Drake’s “Fountains,” contributed to Beyoncé’s Renaissance, and lent her voice to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack—co-writing and performing backing vocals on “Lift Me Up” by Rihanna, earning her Academy and Golden Globe nominations.
Debut Album: Born in the Wild
In June 2024, Tems released Born in the Wild, her highly anticipated debut studio album. It delivered poignant singles like “Me & U,” “Love Me JeJe,” and “Burning,” and featured guest appearances from J. Cole and Asake.
The album became a landmark for Nigerian female artists—peaking at No. 56 on the U.S. Billboard 200 (the highest for a Nigerian female artist at that time) and hitting the top 30 in the UK, Netherlands, and Switzerland.
Tems supported the release with the Born in the Wild Tour, which spanned North America, Europe, Africa, Australia, and Asia from June to November 2024.
Grammys & Awards: Tems Makes History
Tems’ Grammy journey reflects her rising influence:
- 2023: Wins Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on “Wait for U”, marking her first Grammy.
- 2025: Earns her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance with “Love Me JeJe.” She became the first Nigerian artist, and first Nigerian female artist, to win that award—and the most-awarded Nigerian-based artist in Grammy history.
Other accolades include:
- Billboard Women in Music – Breakthrough Award (2024)
- Multiple wins at BET, NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Music Awards, Headies, and AMAs.
Artistic Identity & Cultural Impact
Tems’ music is defined by a soulful fusion of R&B, Afrobeats, and alté—resonating deeply through personal yet universal lyrics. Her style has drawn comparisons to legends like Sade and Lauryn Hill for its emotional depth and authenticity.
As a cultural and fashion icon, Tems challenges norms with her genre-defying sound and bold, expressive aesthetics. Whether collaborating with global superstars or commanding international stages, she embodies creative independence and African identity on her own terms.
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Summary Timeline
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Early Years | Choir kid in Lagos → Economics student & beat-maker through YouTube videos |
| 2018–2019 | Debut with “Mr Rebel”, EP For Broken Ears & establishment of “Spirit” sound |
| 2020–2022 | Breakthrough with “Essence”, collabs with Future, Drake, Beyoncé, Rihanna |
| June 2024 | Release of Born in the Wild, debut album, global tour |
| 2023–2025 | Grammy wins for “Wait for U” and Love Me JeJe |
| Cultural Influence | Fashion-forward, authentic, defying genres, symbol of African artistry |
Final Thoughts
Tems’ evolution from choir girl to Grammy-winning global artist is nothing short of inspiring. Her fearless artistic integrity, genre-defying sound, and barrier-breaking achievements—especially as a young Nigerian female artist on the world stage—position her as a defining voice of her generation.
