Temilade Openiyi

Early Life and Background

Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. Her father was British, and her mother was Nigerian. Shortly after her birth, her parents separated, and her father moved back to the United Kingdom. Tems was subsequently raised by her single mother in the Nigerian city of Lagos. The early years of her life were spent in Ilupeju, a suburb of Lagos, before her family relocated to Lekki. She later moved to Ajah, another area in Lagos. Growing up, Tems was deeply influenced by music, despite her mother's initial preference for her to pursue a more traditional academic path. Her grandmother played a significant role in her upbringing, providing support and encouragement. Tems's musical journey began at a young age; she started singing in her church choir when she was six years old. This early exposure to vocal performance and gospel music laid a foundational understanding of melody and harmony. She also learned to play the piano during her childhood, further developing her musical versatility. During her formative years, Tems developed a unique taste in music, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres and artists, which would later shape her distinctive sound. Her household was not one of immense wealth, and she often recounts experiences of financial struggles, which instilled in her a strong sense of resilience and determination. These early experiences undoubtedly contributed to her introspective and often melancholic lyrical themes, reflecting a depth of emotion that resonates with her global audience.

Education

Tems completed her secondary education at Dowen College in Lagos, Nigeria, a reputable private school known for its emphasis on academic excellence and extracurricular activities. During her time at Dowen College, she continued to nurture her musical talents, participating in school events and showcasing her vocal abilities. Following her secondary education, Tems pursued higher studies abroad. She enrolled at a university in Johannesburg, South Africa, where she undertook a double major, studying both Economics and Engineering. This academic path, seemingly disparate from her musical aspirations, demonstrates her intellectual curiosity and a pragmatic approach to her future. While pursuing her degrees, Tems continued to dedicate time to her passion for music. It was during her university years in South Africa that she began to seriously consider a career in music, developing her songwriting and production skills. She started producing her own beats and recording her own songs, laying the groundwork for her eventual breakout into the music industry. Her education in engineering, in particular, may have subtly influenced her approach to music production, providing a structured and analytical framework for sound design and arrangement. Despite the demands of her academic program, she remained committed to honing her craft, often spending late nights in makeshift studios, experimenting with sounds and vocal techniques.

Career

Tems's professional music career officially began in 2018 with the release of her debut single, "Mr Rebel." This track, which she also produced, immediately showcased her unique vocal style and distinctive sound, characterized by a blend of R&B, soul, dancehall, and Afrobeats elements, often referred to as 'alté' music. The song gained traction independently and introduced her to a burgeoning underground music scene in Nigeria. Her breakthrough moment arrived in August 2019 with the release of her single "Try Me." The song quickly went viral, accumulating millions of views on YouTube and streams across various platforms, establishing her as a formidable new voice in African music. "Try Me" resonated deeply with listeners due to its raw emotion, powerful vocals, and relatable lyrics about resilience and self-assertion.

In 2020, Tems continued her ascent with the release of her critically acclaimed single "Damages," which became a significant hit and peaked at number 6 on the TurnTable Top 50 chart. "Damages" served as the lead single for her debut extended play (EP), "For Broken Ears," released on September 25, 2020. The EP, entirely self-produced save for one track, received widespread praise for its introspective songwriting, lush production, and Tems's captivating vocal delivery. It solidified her reputation as a multifaceted artist. Later that year, in December 2020, Tems faced a notable incident when she was arrested in Uganda alongside fellow Nigerian artist Omah Lay for violating COVID-19 protocols during a concert. They were charged with negligently doing acts likely to spread an infectious disease, but after diplomatic intervention, the charges were dropped, and they were released and repatriated to Nigeria.

The year 2021 marked a pivotal moment in Tems's global recognition. She was featured on Wizkid's mega-hit single "Essence," released in October 2020 as part of his "Made in Lagos" album, but gained immense international popularity in 2021. The song, dubbed "the song of the summer" by many, charted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 9, and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Global Music Performance. Her contribution to "Essence" catapulted her into the global spotlight, leading to a remix of the track featuring Justin Bieber. Following this success, Tems released her second EP, "If Orange Was a Place," on September 15, 2021, which included collaborations with American singer Brent Faiyaz. This EP further demonstrated her artistic growth and ability to appeal to a broader international audience.

Her career trajectory continued upwards in 2022. Tems was featured on Drake's seventh studio album, "Honestly, Nevermind," specifically on the track "Fountains." Furthermore, she contributed vocals to Future's song "Wait For U," which also featured Drake, off Future's album "I Never Liked You." "Wait For U" became Tems's first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a historic achievement for an African female artist. She also received songwriting credits on Beyoncé's song "Move" from her seventh studio album, "Renaissance." A monumental achievement came in July 2022 when Tems was announced as a featured artist on the soundtrack for Marvel's "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever." She performed a cover of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" and also wrote and performed the original song "Lift Me Up," which served as the lead single for the soundtrack. "Lift Me Up" earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, making her the first Nigerian artist to achieve such a feat. In February 2023, Tems won her first Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future's "Wait For U," alongside Future and Drake, solidifying her status as a global music icon. She continued to tour extensively, performing at major festivals and selling out headline shows across continents.

Major Achievements

Tems's career is punctuated by a series of groundbreaking achievements that have solidified her position as a leading figure in contemporary music. Her debut EP, "For Broken Ears" (2020), was critically acclaimed for its self-production and raw emotional depth, establishing her unique sound. The single "Try Me" (2019) became a viral sensation, introducing her to a broad audience and demonstrating her independent prowess.

A defining moment came with her feature on Wizkid's "Essence" (2020), which became a global phenomenon, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance. This collaboration significantly expanded her international reach.

In 2022, Tems achieved her first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with Future's "Wait For U," which also featured Drake, where she was credited as a featured artist. This marked a historic milestone for an African female artist. For this same song, she won her first Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in February 2023, shared with Future and Drake.

Another monumental achievement was her involvement in the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" soundtrack (2022). She performed a rendition of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" and penned and performed "Lift Me Up," which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. This made her the first Nigerian artist to be nominated in this category.

Tems has also received numerous other accolades, including multiple Headies Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and BET Awards, recognizing her as a Best International Act, Best Female Artist, and for her groundbreaking contributions to Afrobeats and R&B. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres and captivating diverse audiences has made her a cultural icon and a trailblazer for African artists on the global stage.

Personal Life

Temilade Openiyi maintains a relatively private personal life, despite her burgeoning global fame. She was born to a Nigerian mother and a British father, but her parents separated early in her life, leading to her being raised predominantly by her single mother and grandmother in Lagos, Nigeria. This upbringing has often been cited by Tems as a significant influence on her resilience and independent spirit. She has spoken publicly about the challenges faced by her family during her childhood, including financial difficulties, which she believes shaped her perspective and work ethic. Tems is known for her distinctive sense of style, often characterized by bold, avant-garde fashion choices that complement her artistic persona. She has not publicly disclosed details about any romantic relationships, choosing to keep her focus primarily on her music career. Her commitment to her craft and her journey as an artist often take precedence in her public discourse. She is an advocate for self-love, authenticity, and empowerment, themes that are consistently woven into her music and public image. Tems values her privacy and uses her platform to discuss her art and inspire others rather than to delve into personal matters. She has often spoken about the importance of mental health and staying true to oneself in the face of external pressures.

Legacy

Tems's legacy is rapidly being forged as a transformative figure in the global music landscape, particularly for her pioneering role in amplifying the 'alté' sound and expanding the international reach of Afrobeats. She is celebrated for her distinctive contralto vocals, her genre-bending musical style that fuses R&B, soul, dancehall, and Afrobeats, and her profound lyrical introspection. Tems has not only achieved unprecedented success for an African female artist on the global stage, including a Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit and a Grammy Award, but she has also paved the way for future generations of African talent. Her Academy Award nomination for "Lift Me Up" further cements her status as a cross-cultural icon, demonstrating her versatility and impact beyond traditional music categories. She has shattered glass ceilings, proving that African artists, especially women, can achieve mainstream global recognition without compromising their artistic integrity or cultural roots. Tems's influence extends beyond her music; she embodies independence, resilience, and authenticity, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their unique voices. Her self-produced early works underscored a commitment to artistic control, setting a precedent for emerging artists. Her music often explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and navigating life's challenges, resonating with a diverse global audience seeking depth and connection. As a global ambassador for Nigerian and African music, Tems's impact will be remembered for her unique sound, her chart-topping achievements, and her enduring inspiration for artists and fans worldwide. She stands as a testament to the power of talent, perseverance, and cultural authenticity in achieving global stardom.