Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, is a Nigerian singer who has taken the world by storm with her soulful voice and unique sound. She’s not just another artist from Nigeria; she’s become one of the most important voices of a new generation of African musicians breaking through to a worldwide audience. Her journey to stardom is one of hard work, dedication, and staying true to herself, even when faced with challenges. Today, Tems is known across the globe and has worked with some of the biggest stars in music, including Drake, Wizkid, and Future. Her success did not happen overnight but came after years of determination, starting from her early days as an underground artist in Nigeria.
As a child, Tems was deeply connected to music, often listening to artists like Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé, who inspired her to follow a musical path herself. She began singing at a young age and put in the work to master her craft, exploring different sounds and developing her own voice. Tems started sharing her music online, and little by little, she built a loyal fanbase in Nigeria who loved her soulful and honest style. At a time when Nigerian music was mostly upbeat and dance-focused, Tems offered something different. Her music was slower, thoughtful, and filled with emotion, making listeners feel every word she sang. Her style and fearless self-expression quickly set her apart from other artists.
Tems’ big break came when she released her single “Try Me” in 2019. The song quickly gained attention and struck a chord with listeners across Africa and beyond. “Try Me” was raw and powerful, and Tems’ strong voice conveyed a sense of resilience that inspired many. With the song going viral, Tems became one of the new artists to watch, bringing something fresh to the Nigerian music scene. She followed up with her debut EP, For Broken Ears, which further showed her unique talent. Songs like “Damages” became popular, as young people connected with its themes of heartbreak, self-worth, and empowerment.
One of the defining moments of Tems’ career came when she collaborated with Nigerian superstar Wizkid on the song “Essence.” Released in 2020, “Essence” quickly became a hit, but it was the 2021 remix featuring Justin Bieber that turned it into a global phenomenon. Her soothing voice blended perfectly with Wizkid’s, creating a song that became a summer anthem around the world. “Essence” was celebrated as a groundbreaking song, bringing African music to the mainstream in a new way. It stayed true to its Nigerian roots, showing that African artists could achieve massive success without changing their sound.
The success of “Essence” opened even more doors for Tems. Soon after, she was invited to work with international artists who loved her style and voice. In 2021, she collaborated with Drake on the song “Fountains” from his album Certified Lover Boy. Working with Drake, one of the biggest names in music, showed how far she had come from her early days in Nigeria. This collaboration exposed her to a wider audience and further confirmed her status as a global artist.
Despite her rising fame, Tems has remained grounded, often speaking openly about her commitment to staying true to herself. For her, success isn’t just about awards or fame; it’s about creating music that speaks to people. She often says she wants to inspire young African women to follow their dreams and not be limited by expectations. In an industry where female artists often face unique challenges, Tems has become a symbol of strength and resilience. Her success represents a shift in the music world, where African voices are finally being celebrated on a global stage.
Today, Tems is one of the most talked-about artists from Nigeria, and her influence reaches far beyond music. By collaborating with stars like Future on songs like “Wait For U,” she continues to prove her versatility, blending her style with different genres. No matter how far she goes, Tems holds her Nigerian roots close and often speaks about how her heritage shapes her as an artist. For her fans, she represents a new era of African music, where boundaries are constantly being broken, and new possibilities are emerging.
Tems’ journey is a story of dedication, courage, and the power of music to connect people. Her rise from Nigeria’s underground scene to working with some of the biggest names in music is proof of her talent and hard work. She has become a global ambassador for African music, introducing new listeners to the sounds of Nigeria and bringing something fresh to the world. With each new song, Tems continues to make an impact, showing that music can truly be a universal language. Her story is still unfolding, and as she continues to grow as an artist, it’s clear that Tems is here to stay, inspiring a
