Temilade Openiyi, better known by her stage name Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer taking the world by storm. Her soulful voice and captivating melodies have garnered a global fanbase, but her journey to stardom wasn’t always smooth.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the life and career of this rising Afrobeats star. We’ll explore her early days singing in a church choir, the challenges she faced growing up, and the unwavering determination that led her to collaborate with some of the biggest names in music.
Tems Biography
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Tems’ story begins in Lagos, Nigeria, on June 11, 1995. Though details of her childhood are scarce, it’s known that music found her early. Singing in her church choir, a young Tems discovered a love for melody and harmony. This passion was nurtured further when her music teacher recognized her potential and introduced her to the piano.
Facing Challenges and Finding Strength
Tems’ life took an unexpected turn when her family relocated to the UK shortly after her birth. However, by the age of five, they returned to Nigeria, a move that presented its own set of challenges. Despite the difficulties, Tems’ musical spirit remained undimmed. She honed her craft, practising with her brother and his guitar, their melodies echoing through their home.
Education and Exploration: Setting the Stage for Success
Tems attended Dowen College in Lagos and later pursued Economics at Monash South Africa. But even amidst academic pursuits, music remained her constant companion. She began producing her own music, experimenting with sounds and carving a unique sonic identity.
From Mr. Rebel to Global Recognition: The Tems Takeover
A pivotal moment arrived with the release of “Mr. Rebel,” a self-produced track that showcased the raw power and vulnerability that have become hallmarks of her music. This song caught the attention of the music industry, and Tems began collaborating with other Nigerian artists.
The year 2020 marked a turning point. Featuring on Wizkid’s global smash “Essence” catapulted Tems into the spotlight. The song’s intoxicating melody and their undeniable chemistry captivated audiences worldwide. The remix, featuring Justin Bieber, further propelled “Essence” to new heights, earning Tems a Grammy nomination.
The Future of Tems
Tems’ influence extends beyond music. She is a role model for young women, inspiring them to chase their dreams and embrace their individuality. With her captivating voice, genre-bending style, and unwavering dedication, Tems is poised to continue captivating audiences worldwide for years to come.
Today, Tems is not just a musician; she’s a phenomenon. Her music has garnered her a Grammy nomination, sold-out shows, and a legion of devoted fans. Yet, Tems remains grounded, her voice a powerful testament to the transformative nature of music. As her story continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the world is captivated by the enchanting rise of Tems, the vocal butterfly who took flight and soared.
Tems Songs
Here’s a compilation of Tems’ songs across various categories to give you a comprehensive idea:
Solo Albums/EPs:
- For Broken Ears (2020) (Album)
- If Orange Was A Place (2021) (EP)
- Not An Angel (2023) (EP)
Collaborative Projects:
- Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Proxima Midnight (Music From and Inspired By) (2024) (Soundtrack – Tems has a credited song but the title might not be publicly available yet)
Solo Singles:
- Try Me
- Mr Rebel
- Found (feat. Brent Faiyaz)
- Higher
- Free Mind
- Damages
- Crazy Tings
- Vibe Out
- Avoid Things
- The Key
- Looku Looku
- These Days
- Replay
- Not An Angel
Featured Songs:
- Know Your Worth (Khalid, Disclosure, Davido, Tems) (2019)
- Tell Me (Show Dem Camp, Amaarae, Tems) (2020)
- Essence (Wizkid ft. Tems & Justin Bieber) (2021)
- Fountains (Drake ft. Tems) (2021)
- WAIT FOR U (Future ft. Drake & Tems) (2022)
- No Woman No Cry (Tems for Marvel) (2022)
- MOVE (Beyoncé, Grace Jones, Tems) (2023)
- No.1 (Tyla Yaweh ft. Tems) (2023)
Conclusion
Tems’ journey is an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere. It’s a testament to the power of dedication, self-belief, and the courage to chase your dreams. With her captivating voice, genre-bending sound, and insightful lyrics, Tems is only getting started.
As she continues to evolve and experiment, one can only wait with bated breath to see what sonic landscapes she’ll explore next. The future of music undoubtedly holds even brighter lights for this remarkable artist, and the world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the enchanting rise of Tems.
FAQs On Tems Biography
1.What did Tems study?
While details surrounding Tems’ specific course of study are not publicly available, we know she did pursue higher education before fully committing to music. This dedication to education alongside her artistic passion speaks volumes about her well-rounded character.
- How many songs does Tems have?
As of mid-2024, Tems has released one EP (For Broken Ears) and numerous singles. Counting the tracks from her EP and her standalone singles, Tems has approximately 15-20 songs under her belt. This number includes her own releases as well as notable collaborations.
- Estimates suggest Tems’ net worth in 2024 falls around the $2 million mark. It’s important to remember that celebrity net worth figures are often estimates and can vary depending on the source and methodology used.
- Are Tems and Ayra star sisters?
No, Tems and Ayra Starr are not sisters. They are both talented Nigerian singers, but not related. Their rise in the Afrobeats scene has led to some comparisons due to their similar musical styles, but they have distinct backgrounds and musical journeys.
- How much is it to book Tems?
Based on industry sources like Celebrity Talent International, booking Tems likely falls within a range of $150,000 to $299,000. This is just an estimate, and the actual price could be higher or lower.
- What accent does Tems have?
You might hear Tems speak with a Nigerian accent at times, and other times it might have a more British influence. There have even been viral moments online where she switches accents mid-sentence during interviews. This code-switching is a fascinating aspect of her background and adds another layer to her captivating personality.
- Who is Tems Manager?
Tems is currently managed by two people:
- Muyiwa Awoniyi: Also known by the nickname Donawon, Awoniyi played a key role in launching Tems’ career. He has been very vocal in supporting her and celebrating her achievements.
- Wale Davies (Tec): This co-manager often flies under the radar, but plays a crucial role in handling the “serious business” aspects of Tems’ career according to Tems herself Thenativemag
