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Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and record producer best known for her soulful voice on global hits like “Essence,” “Wait for U” and “Free Mind,” and for co-writing Rihanna’s Oscar-nominated “Lift Me Up.” Born Temilade Anna Openiyi in Lagos, she rose from the city’s alté underground into a two-time Grammy winner and one of the most distinctive voices in modern Afrobeats.
Key Facts
- Real name: Temilade Anna Openiyi, born 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria.
- Two-time Grammy winner — the first Nigerian woman to win a Grammy.
- “Essence” (with Wizkid) became a landmark Afrobeats crossover on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Co-wrote Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
| Profile Snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Temilade Anna Openiyi |
| Stage Name | Tems |
| Date of Birth | 1995-06-11 |
| Age | 31 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | 🇳🇬 Nigerian |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Years Active | 2018 – present |
| Genre | Afrobeats, R&B, alté, soul |
| Labels | Leading Vibe, Since ’93, RCA Records |
| Debut Album | Born in the Wild (2024) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4–$6 million (as of 2026, reported) |
Who Is Tems? Early Life and Background
Tems was born Temilade Anna Openiyi on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria. She spent part of her childhood in the United Kingdom before her family returned to Lagos, where she was raised largely by her mother.
Music was part of her life early. She sang in the choir, taught herself piano and production, and grew up listening to a wide mix of soul, R&B and Nigerian pop that would later shape her own sound.
She attended school in Lagos and studied briefly in South Africa, but her heart was always in music. By her early twenties she had begun writing, recording and producing her own material rather than waiting for a label to discover her.
Musical Beginnings and the Rise of Tems
Tems emerged from the alté scene, the genre-blending wave of young Nigerian artists experimenting outside mainstream Afropop. She released her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” in 2018 and quickly built a following with her smoky, emotive vocals.
Her 2019 single “Try Me” became a breakout moment, showcasing the confidence and control that set her apart. In 2020 she released her debut EP, “For Broken Ears,” a self-assured project that established her as a serious songwriter and producer, not just a singer.
That same year, a guest verse changed everything. Her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” would carry her name far beyond Nigeria.
The Global Breakthrough
“Essence,” from Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos” album, became a worldwide sensation in 2021. A remix featuring Justin Bieber pushed the song onto the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number nine and was widely hailed as the song that helped take Afrobeats global.
Tems followed with her own EP, “If Orange Was a Place” (2021), and a string of high-profile collaborations. In 2022 she featured on Future and Drake’s “Wait for U,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 — a historic first for her.
The same year, she co-wrote and was featured on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” the lead single from the “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” soundtrack. The song earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, cementing her reputation as a world-class writer.
Born in the Wild and Major Songs
Tems released her long-awaited debut studio album, “Born in the Wild,” in June 2024. The project blended Afrobeats, R&B and soul, and was praised for its honesty, range and craftsmanship, debuting strongly on international charts.
Across her catalogue she has delivered standout records including “Try Me,” “Damages,” “Crazy Tings,” “Free Mind,” “Me & U” and “Love Me JeJe,” a reimagining of a classic Nigerian highlife-pop tune that became one of her biggest solo hits.
“Free Mind,” originally from her 2020 EP, found a huge second life years later, going viral and charting internationally — proof of the long shelf life of her songwriting.
Tems’ Awards and International Recognition
Tems won her first Grammy in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance, as a featured artist on “Wait for U.” The win made her the first Nigerian woman to take home a Grammy Award.
At the 2025 Grammys she won again, this time for Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe,” and earned further nominations including Best Global Music Album for “Born in the Wild.” She has also collected honours from the BET Awards, MTV ceremonies and major Nigerian award shows.
Beyond trophies, she has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages and earned the Oscar nomination for “Lift Me Up,” a rare feat for a Nigerian artist.
Musical Style and Influence
Tems is known for a deep, husky voice and a moody, atmospheric sound that mixes Afrobeats with R&B, soul and alté. She writes and produces much of her own music, giving her work a personal, hand-crafted feel.
Her influence on a younger generation of Nigerian women in music is widely acknowledged. By topping charts on her own terms, she helped open doors for female Afrobeats artists at home and abroad.
Personal Life
Tems is known for keeping her private life largely out of the spotlight, preferring to let her music speak. She has spoken in interviews about faith, mental health and the discipline behind her craft.
She runs her own imprint, Leading Vibe, and has used her platform to mentor and spotlight emerging talent, including through songwriting sessions with young artists.
Tems’ Net Worth
As of 2026, Tems’ net worth is reportedly estimated between $4 million and $6 million, with many outlets citing a figure around $5 million. Exact numbers are not officially confirmed and vary by source.
Her earnings are widely understood to come from streaming, songwriting royalties, global tours, brand endorsements and her own label, Leading Vibe. As an in-demand writer and performer, her income has grown sharply since her 2021 breakthrough.
With a voice like smoke and the pen of a producer, Tems turned a guest verse into a Grammy-winning global career.
— Viorah TV
Controversies
Tems has largely avoided major scandals, but she has faced moments of public scrutiny. In 2020 she was briefly detained in Uganda alongside fellow artist Omah Lay over a concert held during pandemic restrictions; both were later released and the matter was resolved. She has also occasionally addressed online speculation about her personal life and collaborations. Accounts vary by source, and Viorah TV reports these only as matters of public record without taking a position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tems’ real name?
Her real name is Temilade Anna Openiyi.
When and where was Tems born?
She was born on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria.
Has Tems won a Grammy?
Yes. She has won two Grammys — in 2023 for “Wait for U” and in 2025 for “Love Me JeJe” — and was the first Nigerian woman to win one.
What is Tems best known for?
She is known for “Essence,” “Wait for U,” “Free Mind,” co-writing Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” and her debut album “Born in the Wild.”
What is Tems’ net worth?
Her net worth is estimated at around $4–$6 million, though exact figures are unconfirmed and vary by source.
Conclusion
From the alté underground of Lagos to two Grammy wins and an Oscar nomination, Tems has become one of the defining voices of the global Afrobeats era. Her self-produced, soul-deep sound and her record-breaking achievements continue to inspire a new generation of Nigerian artists — especially the women following in her path.
