Tems Biography: Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has become a household name in global music, thanks to her ethereal voice, unique sound, and impressive ability to blend genres like Afrobeats, R&B, and soul into a harmonious mix that has won her millions of fans worldwide. With a remarkable rise in a few short years, Tems has gone from a young Nigerian girl with a dream to one of the biggest names in the music industry. As of 2025, she stands as a Grammy-winning artist with numerous chart-topping hits, millions of streams, and a growing influence across the globe.
This biography will explore Tems’ journey from her early life in Lagos to her breakthrough in the global music scene, along with details about her family, personal life, career, and net worth. Let’s dive into the life of this rising star whose journey has only just begun.
Tems Biography
Tems was born as Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. Her family played a significant role in shaping her musical journey. Born to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father, Tems grew up in a multicultural environment that exposed her to a mix of African and Western influences. Her early years in Lagos would later serve as the backdrop for the music she would create.
At the age of four, Tems and her family moved to the United Kingdom due to her father’s work. However, after her parents’ divorce, Tems moved back to Nigeria with her mother and brother at the age of five. This experience of bouncing between countries and cultures would deeply influence her artistic identity and understanding of music.
Tems’ mother, a strong and supportive figure in her life, recognized her daughter’s love for music early on. It was her mother who encouraged her to pursue her passion, despite the challenges that came with trying to break into the music industry. As a child, Tems attended Dowen College in Lagos, where she first honed her singing abilities. She would later go on to study economics at Monash South Africa, but her heart was always in music.
Growing up, Tems was heavily influenced by her mother’s strength and her family’s support, which inspired her to continue singing despite the difficulties she faced, including being bullied at school for her distinctive voice. However, this did not deter her; instead, it fueled her determination to pursue music as a career.
Tems Career Beginnings: From Digital Marketing to Music
Before fully pursuing music, Tems worked in digital marketing. However, in 2018, she made the bold decision to quit her job and focus on her passion for music. While she didn’t have formal training, Tems was determined to teach herself the art of music production. Using online tutorials, she learned how to produce and record music, working from a home studio that she built herself.
Her debut single, “Mr. Rebel”, was released in July 2018, marking the beginning of her journey in the music industry. While it garnered some attention in Nigeria, it was her 2019 release, “Try Me”, that would truly put her on the map. The song was an instant hit and went viral across social media, quickly capturing the attention of fans and critics alike. The unique fusion of Afrobeat, soul, and alternative music set her apart from many other artists and showcased her distinct sound.
Despite facing challenges, Tems remained persistent, and her music began to resonate with a wider audience. By 2020, Tems had already established herself as a powerful voice in the Nigerian music scene, but she was about to make a leap that would take her to new heights.
The Breakthrough: “Essence” and Global Recognition
In 2020, Tems achieved global recognition after being featured on Wizkid’s hit single, “Essence”, from his album Made in Lagos. The song quickly became a global phenomenon, not only becoming one of the biggest Afrobeats tracks in history but also breaking boundaries for African artists on the international stage. “Essence” hit the Billboard Hot 100, charting in the United States and gaining millions of streams worldwide. This success brought Tems into the global spotlight and opened doors for her to collaborate with international artists.
The collaboration with Wizkid catapulted her to fame, and her voice became synonymous with the song’s success. As a result, “Essence” was widely praised for its smooth blend of Afrobeats and soul, with Tems’ powerful vocals adding a layer of depth to the track. In fact, it wasn’t just her voice that caught the attention of listeners but also her ability to create music that transcended borders, blending African influences with universal themes of love and longing.
Tems’ contribution to “Essence” led to a significant increase in her visibility, earning her widespread acclaim and setting her up for future collaborations with other big names in the music industry.
The Rise to Fame: Solo Career and International Collaborations
Following the success of “Essence”, Tems continued to build on her momentum with the release of her debut EP, “For Broken Ears”, in 2021. The EP was an instant hit, receiving critical acclaim for its refreshing mix of Afrobeats, soul, and alternative sounds. Tracks like “Damages” and “These Days” became fan favorites and showcased Tems’ talent for storytelling through her music. The EP positioned her as one of the most innovative and unique artists to emerge from the Afrobeats scene.
Later in 2022, Tems was featured on Drake and Future’s song “Wait For U”, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. This collaboration marked another milestone in her career, making her the first African female artist to achieve such success on the chart. The track was praised for its melodic beauty and Tems’ ability to blend into the hip-hop and R&B genres seamlessly.
Tems’ collaborations with major international artists didn’t stop there. In the same year, she contributed to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack with a haunting cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry”. The song’s success further solidified her global influence, and she earned additional accolades for her work on the soundtrack.
In 2023, Tems co-wrote the song “Lift Me“ for Rihanna, which was featured in the Black Panther sequel. The song garnered widespread acclaim, earning numerous award nominations, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song.
Tems’ Net Worth and Financial Success
By 2025, Tems has established herself as one of the most financially successful African artists of her generation. While precise figures are difficult to pinpoint, Tems’ net worth is estimated to be in the multi-million-dollar range. Her wealth has come from a combination of music sales, live performances, brand endorsements, and various business ventures.
Her collaborations with artists like Wizkid, Future, Drake, and Rihanna have not only elevated her profile but have also contributed significantly to her financial success. As of 2025, she is one of the most sought-after artists for brand endorsements, having worked with major companies like Nike, Pepsi, and Apple Music. Additionally, Tems’ revenue from streaming platforms and touring continues to be a significant source of income.
Her rapid rise to stardom and ability to maintain relevance in the music industry have resulted in a substantial and continually growing net worth, securing her place as one of the top-earning African musicians.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Tems is not only known for her music but also for her advocacy and impact on the music industry. Despite her fame, she keeps much of her personal life private, preferring to focus on her music and social causes. Tems is a strong advocate for women’s empowerment and has used her platform to promote equal opportunities for women, especially in the music industry, where women are often underrepresented.
In 2025, Tems launched the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI), a mentorship program that provides guidance and support to young women in the Nigerian music industry. Through LVI, she hopes to provide aspiring female artists with the tools and resources they need to navigate the industry and achieve their goals.
Tems has also been open about the importance of mental health and personal well-being. In several interviews, she has discussed how maintaining balance in her life and staying true to herself is crucial for her creative process.
Tems’ Age and Impact on the Music Industry
As of 2025, Tems is 30 years old. In just a decade of being active in the music industry, she has accomplished more than many of her peers. Her age is a testament to the fact that she has achieved all of this at a young age, which only makes her future even more exciting. She has already established herself as one of the top global artists, and her influence will continue to grow in the coming years.
Her youth, combined with her remarkable talents, makes her one of the most dynamic and inspiring figures in music today. As she continues to break records, challenge norms, and elevate the African music scene, Tems’ age will likely become an even more defining factor in her legacy.
Conclusion
Tems is not just an artist; she is a symbol of success, empowerment, and resilience. From her humble beginnings in Lagos to her rise to global superstardom, Tems has proven that talent, hard work, and dedication can break barriers. She has elevated Afrobeats to a global stage and redefined what it means to be an African artist in the music industry.
As we look ahead to 2025 and beyond, it’s clear that Tems is just getting started. With a promising future ahead, she will continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike. Her legacy will be defined not just by her music but by the impact she has had on the world.
Call to Action
If you are inspired by Tems’ journey and her incredible rise to fame, stay connected with her music and future projects. Share this biography with others, follow her on social media, and keep up with all the amazing things Tems will continue to achieve in the music industry.