Nigerian singer-songwriter who became Afrobeats’ breakout female star and the first African woman to debut in Billboard Hot 100’s top 40. Known for her distinctive voice blending Afrobeats with alternative R&B.
Independent Beginnings
Tems (Temilade Openiyi) emerged independently with “Mr Rebel” (2019), gaining Nigerian underground attention for her moody, alternative R&B sound — different from the high-energy Afrobeats dominating Nigeria.
“Try Me” (2019) became her breakthrough in Nigeria, showcasing her deep, soulful voice and introspective lyrics about resilience and self-worth.
Wizkid Collaboration
“Essence” (2020) changed Tems’ life:
- Featured on Wizkid’s Made in Lagos
- Her hook became the song’s most memorable element
- Viral on TikTok (2021)
- Reached #9 on Billboard Hot 100 (first African woman to chart in top 10)
The song made Tems an international star overnight. Her voice became synonymous with Afrobeats’ new wave.
Drake Feature
“Fountains” (2021) on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy further elevated Tems. Drake sought her specifically after hearing “Essence,” making her a go-to feature for A-list artists.
Grammy Winner
“Wait for U” (2022) by Future featuring Drake and Tems:
- Sampled Tems’ “Higher” (2020)
- Debuted #1 on Billboard Hot 100
- Earned Tems a Grammy nomination
February 2023: “Wait for U” won Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance, making Tems the first African woman to win a Grammy in a major category (not World Music).
Solo Success
For Broken Ears EP (2020) and singles showcased Tems’ artistry beyond features:
- “Damages” (2020)
- “Crazy Tings” (2021)
- “Free Mind” (2022) — introspective ballad that went viral
“Born in the Wild” (2023 debut album in progress) positioned Tems as a complete artist, not just a feature queen.
Cultural Impact
Tems represented a new archetype for African female artists:
- Alternative, not commercial
- Deep vocals, not high-pitched
- Introspective, not always joyful
- Refused to conform to traditional beauty standards (natural hair, minimal makeup)
She inspired young African women to embrace authenticity over conformity.
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