Sure! Below is a detailed and SEO-friendly biography of Tems, including information about her birth, education, career, family, net worth, and frequently asked questions. This will help increase the visibility and searchability of the article.
Tems Biography: Date of Birth, Education, Career, Family, Net Worth, and FAQs
Tems, whose full name is Temilade Openiyi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer who has gained global recognition for her unique blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul music. Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems has rapidly ascended to international stardom, collaborating with top artists like Drake and Future and solidifying her place as one of Africa’s leading musical talents.
This biography takes an in-depth look at Tems’ life, from her early years in Lagos, her educational background, rise in the music industry, personal life, and much more. Additionally, we will answer frequently asked questions about the Nigerian music sensation. Let’s delve into the life of Tems!
Early Life and Date of Birth
Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. She grew up in a musical environment, which played a crucial role in shaping her interest in music. Her parents are of Yoruba descent, and she was raised by her single mother after her parents separated when she was very young. Despite the challenges that came with this, Tems always had a passion for music, which she nurtured from an early age.
Tems’ music career began when she was very young, but it was her deep connection to Afrobeat and Western genres like R&B that propelled her toward international recognition.
Education
Tems attended the Dowen College in Lagos for her secondary education. During her time at Dowen, she showed an interest in performing arts, including music, drama, and dance. This foundation allowed her to explore her talents and eventually paved the way for her musical career. After high school, Tems moved on to study economics at University of Johannesburg in South Africa, but her passion for music soon took center stage, and she decided to follow her musical dreams full-time.
It’s worth noting that while Tems did not complete her university degree, her education in South Africa provided her with the exposure to different cultures and music styles, which significantly influenced her sound as an artist.
Tems Career Journey
The Start of Her Career
Tems’ journey into music began in 2018 when she began recording and releasing songs. Her first major hit came with the song “Mr. Rebel”, which showcased her ability to blend elements of Afrobeat and soul. The single caught the attention of Nigerian music fans and industry insiders, making her a rising star in the Nigerian music scene.
Her breakthrough moment came in 2019 with the release of “Try Me”, a single that quickly gained traction. “Try Me” not only solidified her place as a fresh voice in Afrobeat but also garnered international attention, as her deep voice, emotive delivery, and innovative fusion of genres set her apart from other artists. The song’s success led to Tems’ rise in the Afrobeat scene, and she began gaining recognition from some of the biggest names in the industry.
Collaborations with International Artists
One of the major milestones in Tems’ career was her collaboration with Wizkid on the song “Essence”. Released in 2020 as part of Wizkid’s album Made in Lagos, “Essence” quickly became a global hit. The song earned Tems her first taste of international acclaim, charting on multiple platforms worldwide, including the Billboard Hot 100.
In 2021, Tems’ collaboration with Drake and Future on the remix of “Wait for U” took her popularity to new heights. The track became a hit on charts globally, and Tems’ appearance on the song further cemented her as a trailblazer in the global music scene.
Additionally, Tems has worked with several notable Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy, Oxlade, Bella Shmurda, and Ayo Jay, among others. Her career has been marked by her distinctive sound, which blends soul, R&B, and Afrobeat to create something uniquely her own.
Achievements and Awards
Tems has garnered numerous awards and accolades over the years. Some of her achievements include:
- 2021 Headies Award for Best R&B Single
- 2022 BET Award for Best International Act
- 2021 MTV Africa Music Award for Best Female Artist
- 2021 Soul Train Award for Best International Song
Tems has also been featured in major publications such as Vogue, Billboard, and The Guardian, reinforcing her growing global influence.
Musical Style and Influence
Tems music is often described as a fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul, with a vocal style that combines haunting melodies and deep emotional expression. She is inspired by Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, and Sade Adu, and these influences are evident in her music. Tems’ ability to blend African sounds with Western music traditions has garnered her a global fan base.
Personal Life and Family
Tems is known to be a private person who keeps much of her personal life away from the public eye. She was raised by her single mother, who has been her main source of support and inspiration. Tems has often spoken about her mother’s influence on her life and career, noting how she was encouraged to pursue her dreams and never give up.
Though Tems keeps her relationships private, rumors about her love life occasionally make headlines. However, she has yet to publicly confirm any details about her relationships.
Tems Net Worth
Tems’ net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million as of 2025. Her income stems from various sources, including music sales, concerts, brand endorsements, and streaming revenue. As a global music sensation, she also garners significant earnings from international tours and performances, particularly with her growing fan base in North America, Europe, and other parts of the world.
Her collaborations with global music stars and her successful solo career continue to boost her income, and it is expected that her net worth will grow in the coming years as her career flourishes further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Tems?
Tems (real name: Temilade Openiyi) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer known for her unique fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul music. She gained global recognition with her collaboration with Wizkid on the song “Essence” and has since worked with major international artists such as Drake and Future.
2. How old is Tems?
Tems was born on June 11, 1995, making her 29 years old as of 2025.
3. What is Tems real name?
Tems’ real name is Temilade Openiyi.
4. Where is Tems from?
Tems is from Lagos, Nigeria. She is of Yoruba descent.
5. What is Tems educational background?
Tems attended Dowen College in Lagos for her secondary school education and later studied economics at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa before deciding to pursue music full-time.
6. When did Tems start her music career?
Tems started her music career in 2018, with her debut single “Mr. Rebel”. She rose to prominence in 2019 with the release of her hit song “Try Me”.
7. How did Tems become famous?
Tems became famous after the release of her breakthrough single “Try Me” in 2019. Her collaboration with Wizkid on the hit song “Essence” in 2020 skyrocketed her to international fame.
8. What is Tems net worth?
As of 2025, Tems’ net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $3 million.
9. Who are Tems musical influences?
Tems has cited artists like Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, and Sade Adu as some of her musical influences. These artists have shaped her sound and style.
10. Is Tems married?
Tems is very private about her personal life, and as of now, there is no public information about her marital status or any significant relationships.
11. What are some of Tems’ biggest songs?
Some of Tems’ biggest songs include:
- “Try Me”
- “Essence” (with Wizkid)
- “Free Mind”
- “Wait for U” (with Drake and Future)
12. What awards has Tems won?
Tems, the Nigerian singer and songwriter, has garnered numerous accolades throughout her career, reflecting her significant impact on the global music scene. Here’s an overview of her notable awards, including her most recent achievement in 2025:
2025:
- Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance: Tems won this prestigious award for her song “Love Me JeJe,” becoming the first Nigerian artist to secure multiple Grammy Awards.
2024:
- Billboard Women in Music Award: In March 2024, Tems made history by becoming the first African singer to receive a Billboard Women in Music Award, earning recognition in the Breakthrough category.
- Grammy Nominations: Tems received three Grammy nominations:
- Best Global Music Album for “Born in the Wild”
- Best R&B Song for “Burning”
- Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe”
2023:
- Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance: Tems won this award alongside Future and Drake for their collaboration on “Wait for U,” marking her first Grammy win.
- Soul Train Music Awards: She was honored with the Best New Artist award.
- Soundcity MVP Awards: Tems received the Female MVP award, highlighting her outstanding contributions to music.
2022:
- Soul Train Music Awards: Tems won the Best New Artist award, solidifying her rising prominence in the music industry.
- Billboard Year-End U.S. Afrobeats Songs of 2022: She was recognized as the top Afrobeats artist, underscoring her influence in the genre.
2021:
- The Headies Award: Tems won the Best R&B Album for “If Orange Was a Place,” showcasing her excellence in the R&B genre.
These accolades reflect Tems exceptional talent and her significant role in bringing African music to the global stage.
Conclusion
Tems has proven herself to be one of the most exciting and talented artists to emerge from Africa in recent years. From her humble beginnings in Lagos, she has become a global superstar, known for her unique sound, mesmerizing vocals, and innovative music. Her story serves as an inspiration to many young artists who dream of breaking into the international music scene. With her growing fan base and continued success, Tems future in the music industry looks brighter than ever.
