Temilade Openiyi (Tems) Biography: Early Life, Age, Music Career, Net Worth

Tems Biography

Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Lagos, Nigeria, she has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary African music, blending Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative sounds with a distinctive, velvety vocal style. Her journey from a shy child singing in church to a global superstar highlights resilience, self-discovery, and artistic integrity. Tems has achieved historic milestones, including multiple Grammy Awards and collaborations with international icons like Drake, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Future.

Her music resonates deeply with themes of love, identity, heartbreak, and empowerment. Tems stands out for her honest lyrics and soulful delivery, which have earned her a dedicated global fanbase known as the Rebel Gang. As of 2026, she continues to break barriers for African artists on the world stage while staying rooted in her Nigerian heritage.

Tems Early Life and Background

Temilade Openiyi was born on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria. She is Nigerian by nationality and of Yoruba ethnicity. Her first name, Temilade, means “the crown is mine” in Yoruba. Her mother is Nigerian, and her father is British-Nigerian. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to the United Kingdom. When she was about five years old, her parents divorced, and she returned to Nigeria with her mother and brother.

Tems grew up in areas like Ilupeju, Lekki, and later Ajah in Lagos. Life after the divorce was challenging as her mother raised the children as a single parent. In high school, Tems faced bullying because of her deep voice, which made her self-conscious. Despite this, she found solace in music. At age 11, she joined her school choir, learned to play the piano, and practiced singing with her brother, who played guitar. She often sang in falsetto initially but developed her natural tone under the guidance of a music teacher.

Her mother limited her to Christian music during childhood, but as a teenager, Tems discovered R&B, hip-hop, and Afrobeats. Artists like Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, Beyoncé, Destiny’s Child, Frank Ocean, Burna Boy, and Asa became major influences. She has spoken about how these artists helped her understand emotional expression through music. At one point in her teens, she stopped listening to others to find her own voice and style. This period of self-exploration shaped her unique artistry.

Tems has described her younger self as withdrawn and introspective. Music became an outlet for her emotions and a way to connect with herself. These early experiences of family changes, bullying, and cultural shifts later informed the honest, vulnerable themes in her songs.

Tems Education

Tems attended Dowen College in Lekki, Lagos, for her secondary education. After completing secondary school, she moved to South Africa to pursue higher studies at Monash University College in Johannesburg. She earned a degree in Economics.

While studying, Tems balanced academics with her growing interest in music. In 2016, during her time in Johannesburg, she created the song “Try Me,” which later became a breakthrough track. After graduation, she returned to Nigeria and worked briefly in digital marketing. However, in early 2018, inspired by a devotional message, she quit her corporate job to focus fully on music. This decision marked the start of her professional career.

Her education provided a strong foundation in discipline and critical thinking, skills she applies to her music production and business decisions today.

Tems Career

Tems began her professional music career in 2018. She taught herself production skills using YouTube tutorials and released her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” on 18 July 2018, which she produced herself. In 2019, she dropped “Try Me,” which gained significant attention in Nigeria and across Africa.

Her debut EP, For Broken Ears, arrived in September 2020. She produced most of it herself. The project featured hits like “Damages” and “Free Mind.” The same year, she collaborated with Wizkid on “Essence,” a massive global success that peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a Justin Bieber remix. This track introduced her to international audiences and earned her first Grammy nomination.

In 2021, Tems signed with RCA Records and Since ’93. She released her second EP, If Orange Was a Place. Collaborations with Drake on “Fountains” and Future and Drake on “Wait for U” followed. “Wait for U” debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Tems the first African female artist to achieve this. She also contributed to Beyoncé’s Renaissance album on the track “Move.”

Tems co-wrote and provided background vocals for Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. This earned her an Oscar nomination, making her the first Nigerian artist nominated in that category. She covered Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” for the same project.

Her debut studio album, Born in the Wild, was released in June 2024 to critical acclaim. It includes standout tracks like “Love Me JeJe,” which won her a Grammy for Best African Music Performance. The album peaked at number 56 on the US Billboard 200 and performed strongly in the UK and Europe. She embarked on the Born in the Wild Tour to support it.

In 2025, she released the EP Love Is a Kingdom. In 2026, she collaborated with Dave on “Raindance,” which became her first number-one single on the UK Singles Chart. Tems has also ventured into other areas, including part ownership in the Major League Soccer team San Diego FC.

Notable albums and EPs include:

For Broken Ears (2020) If Orange Was a Place (2021) Born in the Wild (2024) Love Is a Kingdom (2025)

Key songs and collaborations feature “Try Me,” “Damages,” “Free Mind,” “Essence” (with Wizkid), “Wait for U” (with Future and Drake), “Love Me JeJe,” “Me & U,” “Not an Angel,” and “Raindance” (with Dave). These works showcase her growth from independent releases to major label success and global influence.

Tems is also a record producer who often works on her own material. Her career emphasizes authenticity over trends, and she has inspired many young African artists to pursue their unique paths.

Tems Net Worth

As of late 2025 and into 2026, Tems’ net worth is estimated between $2 million and $5 million or more, depending on sources. Her earnings come from music sales, streaming royalties, tours, endorsements, and collaborations. Major hits like “Essence” and “Wait for U” have generated substantial income, along with her world tours and brand partnerships. She has invested wisely, including in a personal studio and other ventures.

Tems Personal Life

Tems keeps her personal life private. She has spoken about never having been in a traditional committed relationship, describing herself as focused on personal growth and her career. She has mentioned having a “mini boyfriend” in the past as a casual connection but emphasizes values like curiosity, kindness, and shared growth in potential partners. She has also shared her decision to wait until marriage for certain intimate aspects of relationships, rooted in her faith and personal principles.

She maintains a close relationship with her family, particularly her mother and brother. Tems is known for her grounded personality despite fame. She enjoys spending time in Nigeria and draws inspiration from her roots. In interviews, she discusses mental health, self-love, and the pressures of the music industry. She has a foundation or initiatives supporting education and entrepreneurship.

Tems Awards

Tems has earned numerous accolades that underscore her impact. She has won two Grammy Awards, including Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U” and Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe.” She became the first Nigerian artist with multiple Grammys.

Other honors include four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards, three Soul Train Music Awards, and a Billboard Women in Music Award. She received an Oscar nomination for “Lift Me Up.” Additional recognitions feature placements on the Time 100 Next list and various Afrobeats and African music awards. Her achievements highlight her role in elevating African music globally.

Conclusion

Tems represents a new generation of African artists who command respect on their own terms. From overcoming childhood challenges to quitting a stable job for her passion, her story inspires many. Her music transcends borders by blending cultural authenticity with universal emotions. As she continues to evolve, Tems is poised to achieve even greater heights while mentoring the next wave of talent. Her legacy lies not only in chart success but in showing that vulnerability and strength can coexist powerfully in art.

FAQs

What is Tems’ real name and date of birth?

Tems’ real name is Temilade Openiyi. She was born on 11 June 1995.

Where was Tems born and what is her nationality?

She was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and holds Nigerian nationality. She is of Yoruba ethnicity.

What is Tems’ most famous song?

“Essence” featuring Wizkid is one of her most famous tracks, known for its global breakthrough. Other hits include “Free Mind,” “Love Me JeJe,” and “Wait for U.”

How many Grammy Awards has Tems won?

Tems has won two Grammy Awards as of 2025-2026 and received multiple nominations.

Is Tems married or in a relationship?

Tems has stated she has never been in a committed traditional relationship and keeps her personal life private.

What albums has Tems released?

Her discography includes the EPs For Broken Ears, If Orange Was a Place, and Love Is a Kingdom, plus the studio album Born in the Wild.

Did Tems study music in school?

No, she studied Economics in South Africa. She is largely self-taught in music production and developed her singing through choir and personal practice.

What other ventures is Tems involved in?

Beyond music, she has part ownership in a Major League Soccer team and supports initiatives in education and entrepreneurship.