Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, is a renowned Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her breakthrough came with the 2020 hit single “Essence” featuring Wizkid, which soared to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned her a Grammy Award nomination, solidifying her place in the music industry. Following this success, Tems released her debut EP “For Broken Ears” in 2020, followed by her second EP “If Orange Was a Place” in 2021 after signing with RCA Records. Her influence expanded globally when her vocals were sampled by Future on the chart-topping single “Wait for U”, where she was credited as a featured artist alongside Drake. This historic achievement made her the first African artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems’ versatility shone through as she covered Bob Marley’s classic “No Woman, No Cry” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack and collaborated with Beyoncé on the song “Move” from the album Rennaissance. Furthermore, her songwriting prowess was recognized with nominations for prestigious awards such as the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Grammy Award for songs like “Lift Me Up” performed by Rihanna.
In 2024, Tems released her highly anticipated debut studio album “Born in the Wild”, garnering critical acclaim and chart success in various countries including the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The album’s peak at number 24 in the UK showcased Tems’ growing influence and artistic depth. This milestone was complemented by her ongoing Born in the Wild Tour, a global journey showcasing her musical talents to diverse audiences worldwide. Tems’ impact on the music scene was further highlighted by her impressive nominations at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for categories including Best Global Music Album, Best R&B Song for “Burning”, and Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe”. Her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft have garnered her numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Grammy Award, Billboard Women in Music Award, NAACP Image Awards, BET Awards, and Soul Train Music Awards, solidifying her position as one of the most celebrated artists in the industry.