Temilade Openiyi, known to the world as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music sensation who has taken the global music scene by storm. Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Tems’ journey from singing in her church choir as a child to becoming a Grammy-winning artist is nothing short of inspiring.
Her breakthrough came in 2019 with the hit single Try Me, a song that resonated with millions and cemented her as a rising force in the industry. However, her ascent didn’t stop there—collaborations with international stars like Khalid, Davido, Drake, and Future propelled her into the global spotlight, making her one of Africa’s most influential voices in contemporary music.
In this article, we delve into the life and career of Tems, exploring her biography, achievements, hit songs, net worth, and more. Let’s get started with her profile summary.
Tems Biography
Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Nigerian mother and a British father. Her parents separated when she was just five, leaving her mother to raise her as a single parent.
She began her education in Lagos before attending Dowen College in Lekki. Later, she pursued a degree in Economics at a university in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Growing up in a modest household, Tems found solace in music. She first discovered her vocal talent in a local choir and nurtured her passion by recording songs with her school choir and experimenting with her brother’s guitar. Her music teacher played a pivotal role in shaping her confidence, encouraging her to embrace her raw, unique voice rather than conform to conventional vocal styles.
Despite her growing fame, Tems remains private about her personal life, keeping her relationships away from the media spotlight.
Tems Career
Tems’ musical journey began long before the world knew her name. As a child, she was drawn to melodies, learning to play the piano under the guidance of her music teacher. Inspired by legends like Beyoncé, she envisioned herself as a music icon, spending hours crafting her sound and perfecting her voice. One of the first songs that captivated her was Soldier by Destiny’s Child featuring Lil Wayne, igniting a passion for storytelling through music.
Determined to carve her own path, Tems took her first step into the industry in 2013 with her debut EP, Time Swap. But it was in 2018 that the world truly began to take notice, following the release of her breakout single Mr. Rebel, which amassed over 200,000 views on YouTube. With her hauntingly unique voice and a sound that defied conventions, she quickly became a standout name in the Nigerian alternative music scene.
Her rise continued with Looku Looku, a track that gained heavy rotation on Nigerian radio, before she delivered the game-changing hit Try Me in 2019. The song became an anthem of resilience and defiance, racking up millions of views and solidifying her status as one of Nigeria’s most exciting new voices.
In 2020, Tems made waves on the global music scene with her collaboration on “Know Your Worth,” a powerful and uplifting track alongside American superstar DJ Khalid, Nigerian icon Davido, and British electronic duo Disclosure. The song’s infectious energy and inspiring message earned it a spot on Barack Obama’s coveted summer playlist, further cementing her rising international acclaim.
Even before this breakout moment, Tems was already making a name for herself. In 2019, her soulful and distinct vocals on Mr. Rebel earned her nominations for Best Vocal Performance (Female) and Best Alternative Song at the prestigious Headies Awards, proving that she was a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music industry.
Signing with Reset Industries and HUMAN MUSIC, Tems continued her ascent with the release of Damages, a single from her 2020 EP For Broken Ears, which further expanded her global reach. Then came the moment that changed everything—her collaboration on Wait for U with Future and Drake, which earned her first Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023.
By 2024, she had released her highly anticipated debut studio album, Born in the Wild, which resonated with audiences worldwide and became the highest-charting album by a Nigerian female artist in the U.S. And in 2025, she made history again, winning her second Grammy for Love Me JeJe in the Best African Music Performance category—making her the first Nigerian artist to secure multiple Grammy Awards.
With two Grammy wins, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards to her name, Tems has firmly established herself as a force in the global music scene. Her journey from a young girl with a dream to a world-renowned artist is nothing short of inspiring, and the best part? She’s just getting started.
Tems Arrest
Tems was arrested alongside Omah Lay in Uganda after the artists performed a show in the country. The female afro-beat singer, Tems, was arrested on December 12th, 2020, for defying the ban on large gatherings, which was placed by the Ugandan government to curb the spread of COVID-19.
On December 15th Tems was freed, and all charges were dropped.
Tems Net worth
Tems’ meteoric rise in the global music scene has not only garnered her critical acclaim but has also significantly bolstered her financial standing. Following her international breakthrough with DJ Khalid on “Know Your Worth,” Tems’ profile soared, leading to increased performance fees and lucrative opportunities.
Her subsequent Grammy Awards further amplified her marketability, resulting in a substantial increase in her net worth. As of 2024, estimates place her net worth at approximately $2 million.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Tems has diversified her income streams through strategic brand partnerships, merchandise sales, and royalties from songwriting and music production.
