Introduction: Tems Age
Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, is a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, and record producer who has taken the global music scene by storm. As of January 2025, Tems is 28 years old, born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. With her soulful voice and unique approach to music, she has established herself as a force to reckon with in Afrobeat, R&B, and neo-soul genres.
This article delves into her journey, exploring her background, rise to fame, and impact on the music industry. Additionally, we will highlight the significant milestones and achievements that define her career, focusing on the details that have made Tems a global sensation.
Wiki Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Temilade Openiyi |
| Stage Name | Tems |
| Date of Birth | June 11, 1995 |
| Age | 28 years old (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Ethnicity | Nigerian-British |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Genres | Afrobeat, R&B, Neo-soul |
| Years Active | 2018–Present |
| Notable Songs | “Essence,” “Try Me,” “Damages,” “Free Mind,” “Wait For U” |
| Debut Single | “Mr. Rebel” (2018) |
| Breakthrough Hit | “Try Me” (2019) |
| Grammy Award | Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait For U” (2023) |
| Other Awards | BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, MOBO Awards, and more |
| Education | Dowen College, Lagos; studied Economics in South Africa |
| Collaborations | Wizkid, Drake, Future, Justin Bieber |
| Record Label | RCA Records (International) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2–5 million (as of 2025) |
| Social Media | Instagram: @temsbaby, Twitter: @temsbaby |
Table of Contents
Early Life and Background
Birth and Upbringing
Tems was born Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. Her mother is Nigerian, while her father is British, giving her a mixed heritage. Tems’ parents divorced when she was very young, and she was raised by her mother in Lagos.
- Childhood Interests: From an early age, Tems displayed a strong interest in music. She listened to artists like Aaliyah, Beyoncé, and Destiny’s Child, which inspired her to pursue a career in music.
- Education: Tems attended Dowen College in Lagos and later moved to South Africa to study Economics at a university level.
Her upbringing in Lagos exposed her to diverse sounds, from traditional Nigerian music to global pop and R&B, laying the foundation for her genre-blending style.
Tems’ Musical Journey
Early Beginnings in Music
Tems began exploring her musical talent during her teenage years. At the age of 15, she started writing songs and experimenting with musical instruments. Her passion for music grew stronger as she got older.
- Discovery of Voice: She joined a local choir during her teenage years, which helped her refine her vocal abilities.
- Production Skills: Tems taught herself how to produce music, a skill that set her apart as an independent artist.
Breakthrough with “Mr. Rebel”
In 2018, Tems released her debut single, “Mr. Rebel”, which immediately caught the attention of music lovers in Nigeria and beyond. The song showcased her rich, emotive voice and unique sound.
- Critical Acclaim: “Mr. Rebel” was praised for its originality and marked the beginning of Tems’ rise to fame.
- Fan Base Growth: The song earned her a loyal fan base, with many applauding her ability to create music that resonated deeply with listeners.
Rise to Global Fame
Success with “Try Me”
In 2019, Tems released “Try Me”, which became a massive hit and solidified her position as a rising star in the Nigerian music industry.
- Viral Success: The song gained widespread attention on social media platforms and was streamed millions of times on various music platforms.
- Themes: “Try Me” is an empowering anthem that speaks to resilience and self-belief, themes that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Collaboration with Wizkid: “Essence”
The turning point in Tems’ career came in 2020 when she collaborated with Nigerian superstar Wizkid on the track “Essence” from his album Made in Lagos.
- Global Recognition: The song became a global hit, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving several nominations, including a Grammy nod for Best Global Music Performance.
- Cultural Impact: “Essence” is often referred to as the “song of the summer” for 2021, earning Tems recognition beyond Africa.
Work with International Stars
Tems’ talent has caught the attention of several international artists, leading to high-profile collaborations:
- Drake: She featured on the track “Fountains” from Drake’s 2021 album Certified Lover Boy.
- Future and Drake: Tems contributed to the 2022 hit song “Wait For U”, which won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Achievements and Awards
Grammy Success
Tems made history as one of the few Nigerian artists to win a Grammy Award. She won the award in 2023 for her contribution to “Wait For U” by Future featuring Drake.
Other Awards
In addition to her Grammy win, Tems has received several prestigious awards, including:
- BET Awards: Tems won the Best International Act award in 2022.
- NAACP Image Awards: She has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to music.
- MOBO Awards: Tems won the award for Best African Act in 2022.
Chart Performance
Tems’ songs and collaborations have consistently performed well on global charts, including the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart.
Personal Style and Influence
Unique Voice
Tems’ voice is often described as soulful, raw, and emotive. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her music has earned her comparisons to legends like Lauryn Hill and Sade.
Songwriting and Production
As a songwriter and producer, Tems brings authenticity and depth to her music. Her lyrics often explore themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment.
Influence on Afrobeat
Tems has played a significant role in popularizing Afrobeat on the global stage. Her ability to blend traditional African sounds with modern R&B and neo-soul has made her a trailblazer in the genre.
Discography
Singles
Some of Tems’ most notable singles include:
- “Mr. Rebel” (2018)
- “Try Me” (2019)
- “Damages” (2020)
- “Free Mind” (2020)
EPs
- For Broken Ears (2020): Tems’ debut EP, featuring hits like Free Mind and Damages.
- If Orange Was a Place (2021): Her second EP, which includes the single Crazy Tings.
Tems’ Impact on Global Music
Breaking Barriers
Tems has shattered several barriers for African artists, earning international acclaim and representing Nigeria on the global stage.
Inspiring a New Generation
Her success has inspired many young African musicians, particularly women, to pursue careers in music.
What Next for Tems?
Upcoming Projects
Tems has hinted at working on her debut album, which is expected to further cement her status as a global music icon.
Touring
She continues to perform at major festivals and venues around the world, connecting with her ever-growing fan base.
Conclusion
Tems, at just 28 years old, has achieved remarkable success and has become a symbol of African excellence in the music industry. From her humble beginnings in Lagos to winning a Grammy and collaborating with global stars, Tems’ journey is nothing short of inspiring. Her unique voice, authentic style, and ability to connect with audiences make her a standout artist in today’s music landscape.
As Tems continues to break barriers and create music that resonates globally, her influence and legacy are set to grow even further. Whether through her powerful vocals, meaningful lyrics, or impactful collaborations, Tems is undoubtedly a star on the rise.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is based on publicly available sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, some details may vary. For official information about Tems, please refer to her verified social media accounts or authorized interviews. We are not affiliated with Tems or her management.
