Taiwo Michael Oloyede
Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, is a singer, songwriter, and producer who has reshaped the global soundscape with her ethereal voice and emotionally charged music. Rising from Lagos, Nigeria, her artistry blends Afrobeats, neo-soul, and alternative R&B, carving a unique space that bridges African rhythms with contemporary global sounds.
Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Tems was immersed in music from a young age. Her mother’s eclectic taste in soul, jazz, and Afropop introduced her to the expressive depth of artists like Aṣa, Lauryn Hill, and Erykah Badu. Singing became her sanctuary, and by her teenage years, she had begun to craft her own distinct sonic identity—one that eschewed conventional Afrobeats for a more introspective, soul-stirring approach.
Tems made her first major impact in 2019 with “Try Me,” a song that resonated deeply with listeners for its raw vulnerability and defiant message. The track’s success set the foundation for her 2020 debut EP, For Broken Ears, which showcased her ability to weave pain, longing, and self-discovery into hauntingly beautiful melodies.
Her life changed dramatically in 2020 when she featured on Wizkid’s “Essence”—a song that became an international anthem and positioned her at the forefront of the Afrobeats movement. The track’s success led to a Grammy nomination, with Billboard recognizing it as a defining global hit.
Tems quickly became one of the most sought-after voices in the industry, collaborating with Drake on “Fountains” and Future on “Wait for U”—the latter earning her a Billboard Hot 100 No. 1, making her the first African woman to achieve this feat.
Her 2021 sophomore EP, “If Orange Was a Place,” solidified her as a visionary, with songs that fused poetic introspection with genre-defying instrumentals.
Beyond music, Tems has also made an impact in film, contributing a moving rendition of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. Her songwriting prowess was further recognized when she co-wrote “Lift Me Up” for Rihanna, earning an Academy Award nomination—a rare achievement for an African artist.
What sets Tems apart is not just her voice, but the emotional gravitas she brings to her music. Her lyrics feel personal yet universal, her melodies melancholic yet uplifting. She embodies a new generation of African artists—fearless, innovative, and untethered to industry norms.
As Tems continues to break boundaries, she stands as a testament to the power of authenticity in an industry driven by trends. Whether in music, film, or fashion, her presence is redefining global pop culture, proving that her rise is only just beginning.
