Tems Biography – Age, Career, Songs, Awards & Net Worth
Who is Tems?
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. She has gained global recognition for her soulful voice, unique sound, and powerful songwriting that blend Afrobeat, R&B, and alternative music. Known for her breakout hits like Try Me and Free Mind, Tems has become one of the leading voices in the Afrobeats music industry.
Childhood and Schooling
Tems was born to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father in Lagos, Nigeria. She was raised in Lagos by her mother and brother following the divorce of her parents. After completing her secondary education at Dowen College, Tems went on to Monash South Africa University in Johannesburg to study economics.
Tems has a strong love for music from an early age, drawing inspiration from performers such as Adele, Beyoncé, and Lauryn Hill. She laid the groundwork for her future musical career throughout her adolescence by learning to play the piano and writing songs.
Music Career
Tems officially began her music career in 2018 when she released her debut single “Mr Rebel”, which caught attention for its raw and soulful sound. Her follow-up single “Looku Looku” and the viral hit “Try Me” (2019) established her as a rising star in Nigeria’s alternative music scene.
Her big international breakthrough came in 2020 after she was featured on Wizkid’s global hit “Essence”, which reached the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination. The success of “Essence” opened international doors for Tems, leading to collaborations with global stars like Drake, Future, and Beyoncé.
In 2021, Tems released her critically acclaimed EP “If Orange Was A Place”, which featured the chart-topping single “Found” featuring Brent Faiyaz.
Significant Accomplishments and Honors
For her artistic abilities, Tems has been nominated for and won numerous accolades, including:
Future and Drake’s song “Wait For U” won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance (2023).
Best International Act BET Award (2022)
NAACP Image Awards
Awards for Soul Train Music
Nominations for the MTV Africa Music Awards
As one of the few female Nigerian musicians to receive an Oscar nomination, she also made history by contributing to the songwriting of Rihanna’s “Lift Me” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Tems Net Worth
As of 2025, Tems’ estimated net worth is around $3 million. Her income comes from music sales, streaming, international performances, brand endorsements, and songwriting credits for top artists.
Tems Songs and Collaborations
Some of Tems’ most popular songs and collaborations include:
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Try Me
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Free Mind
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Essence (with Wizkid)
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Higher
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Wait For U (with Future & Drake)
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Me & U
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Found (feat. Brent Faiyaz)
Personal Life
Tems is known for keeping her personal life private. She focuses on her art and often expresses her spirituality and emotions through her music. Her authenticity and confidence have inspired many young African artists to embrace their originality.