Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, worked as a digital marketer back in Lagos after studying economics at Monash University South Africa in Johannesburg.
In 2018, Tems quit her job and independently wrote, produced, recorded, and released her debut single, ‘Mr Rebel’.
A song that became a hit over time and ended up catching the attention of Afrobeat pioneer WizKid.
As a result of that unique, alté voice, he invited her in to feature on his song ‘Essence’ in 2020, which turned her into a global sensation.
At its peak, the track reached No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and even got a spot in a Grammy nod.
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But as the years passed, it’s all about her and her debut album, which gives a sense of having fun and finding love, finding joy, and finding peace. Having the audacity to take risks.’
Since a great debut into the entertainment industry, Tems has now become a Grammy award-winning singer and performer.
She has extended her record as the most certified Nigerian female artist in the United States of America following the confirmation of two new certifications for the singer by the RIAA.
The two new additions bring the total number of her certifications in the US to a total of four, which is the highest for any female artist from the country.
Tem’s single Higher, which is off her Leading Vibe EP, has now been certified gold after selling over 500,000 units in the US alone.
Her viral Free Mind track also became a certified platinum after selling over 1,000,000 units in the United States of America.
After all the recognition, she soon became a sought-after collaborator and has no problem sourcing features.
Her song ‘Higher’ was sampled by Future on his Grammy award-winning song, ‘Wait for U’.
She was put on a billboard by Drake across Nigeria as a way of announcing her feature on his Certified Lover Boy album.
Tems was also featured on Beyoncé’s 2022 smash hit Renaissance album.
She earned Golden Globe, Academy Award, and Grammy nominations for co-writing Rihanna’s 2022 comeback single, ‘Lift Me Up’ from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. And has been nominated for the 2025 Grammy Awards.
