If you love powerful vocals and music that feels deeply spiritual, then Tems is one name you already know.
As one of Nigeria’s most unique and internationally respected artists, many fans keep asking:
Who exactly is Tems behind the fame? How did she rise so fast? What’s her real story?
This biography gives you the full journey — written in our usual Taculia Entertainment style that breaks things down clearly and truthfully.
Early Life
Tems was born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos, Nigeria. She grew up with a rich mixture of cultures because her father is British while her mother is Nigerian from Lagos. When she was still a child, her parents separated, and she grew up mostly with her mother.
Like many creative children, Tems didn’t grow up loudly confident. She has shared in interviews that she was quiet, introverted and always kept to herself. What truly raised her spirit was music — something she discovered very early.
Family Background
Tems comes from a close-knit family even though it was a single-parent household after her parents split. Her mother was the biggest influence on her emotional strength, always encouraging Tems and her siblings to focus on their gifts.
A key moment she mentioned in past interviews was how her music teacher noticed her unique voice during her early school years. That simple recognition planted a seed she later grew into greatness.
Education
Tems attended schools in Lagos where she sharpened her love for music. In secondary school, she joined the choir, learned to play musical instruments and spent hours after class writing and rewriting melodies.
She later studied Economics at a university in South Africa before returning to Nigeria to pursue music professionally. That break away from home helped her filter out who she really wanted to be.
Musical Influences
Tems grew up listening to a variety of sounds — from R&B to soul to alternative melodies.
Some of her biggest influences include:
- Beyoncé
- Alicia Keys
- Destiny’s Child
- Lauryn Hill
But what’s special is how she didn’t copy anyone. She shaped her sound into something the world hadn’t heard before — that deep, raw, airy vocal technique that now represents her global identity.
How Tems Started Her Music Career
Tems officially started making music professionally in 2018. She quit her job to focus fully on creating her own sound. That decision was one of the biggest turning points in her life — a risky move, but one that paid off.
Her first major attention came from her single “Mr Rebel”. It didn’t explode instantly, but it introduced her unique sound to a small but loyal fanbase who knew she was something special.
Then came “Try Me” — the song that shook Nigeria and placed Tems in the spotlight. It announced her to the entire country and quickly to the international scene.
Breakthrough to Global Fame
In 2020, Wizkid featured Tems on the global smash hit “Essence”.
This collaboration changed her life forever.
“Essence” became the first Nigerian song to break into the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, earning Tems global credibility and opening doors that most artists only dream of.
That one song led to:
- International magazine features
- American award nominations
- Worldwide tours
- Hollywood invitations
But Tems did not stop there. Drake invited her for his album “Certified Lover Boy”.
Soon after, she wrote and was featured on Future’s “Wait For U” — a song that made her the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy Award.
Her Songwriting Strength
Many people don’t realise Tems is not only a singer — she is a deep thinker and songwriter. Her lyrics always carry emotion, vulnerability and a spiritual element.
This makes her music travel easily across cultures, languages and borders.
She has also written songs for global stars like:
- Rihanna
- Beyoncé (credited on “Move”)
Albums, EPs & Major Projects
Tems released her debut EP “For Broken Ears” in 2020.
The project introduced listeners to her depth — songs about healing, strength, identity and emotional freedom.
She followed with “If Orange Was A Place” in 2021, which solidified her place as a world-class alternative R&B artist.
Her debut full-length album is one of the most anticipated projects globally, and fans expect it to push her impact even further.
Awards & Achievements
Tems is one of the most awarded and globally recognized African female artists of her generation. Some of her notable achievements include:
- Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance (2023)
- BET Awards
- Billboard recognitions
- MTV Awards
- NAACP Image Awards
- Oscar nomination (for co-writing “Lift Me Up” performed by Rihanna)
Her trophy cabinet keeps growing, and she continues to inspire young African creators to dream on a global level.
Tems and Her Global Impact
Tems is one of the women leading the global afrobeats and alté evolution. She represents a new kind of African artist — one who does not apologize for her uniqueness, who creates from a place of honesty and who speaks to millions without raising her voice.
Her style has influenced a wave of new female creators across Nigeria and beyond. Many now model their vocal style, writing approach and branding after Tems.
Her Personality & Public Image
Even with fame, Tems has stayed grounded. She rarely engages in controversies, focuses heavily on her craft and appears mostly in spaces that protect her peace.
Fans love her calmness, humility and emotional intelligence — qualities that shine through in her voice and lyrics.
Future Plans
Tems has confirmed she is working on more global collaborations, a full studio album and new international tours.
Many industry analysts already predict she will become one of the greatest African female artists of all time if she continues on this path.
