Tems

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has become one of the most influential voices in global Afrobeats and R&B. Her sound blends alté, neo-soul, and contemporary R&B, setting her apart from mainstream Afropop, and her feature on Wizkid's "Essence" became the global smash that announced her to the world. She has since collaborated with Drake, Future, and Rihanna, co-writing "Lift Me Up" for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

Her debut studio album Born in the Wild (2025) earned critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album. She won her first Grammy in 2023 for her feature on Future's "Wait For U," and in 2026 took Best African Music Performance for "Love Me JeJe," making her the first Nigerian artist with multiple Grammy Awards. That same year her collaboration with Dave, "Raindance," reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. Tems also made history in 2025 as the first African woman to become a part-owner of a Major League Soccer team, joining the ownership group of San Diego FC. [edit]

Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in England. At the age of four, following her parents' separation, she moved to Lagos, Nigeria, with her mother and brother, where she was subsequently raised. Growing up in a household steeped in music, she found a profound connection to singing, participating actively in her church and school choirs. As an introverted and shy child, music became a vital emotional outlet for her, through which she discovered her own voice. She drew inspiration from artists like Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé, immersing herself in a diverse musical landscape. Later, Temilade pursued higher education, studying Economics at a university in Lagos.

After completing her university studies, Temilade entered the professional world as a digital marketer. However, she found this path unfulfilling, sensing a deeper calling for her artistic talents. A pivotal moment arrived in January 2018 when, inspired by a daily devotional, she made the courageous decision to leave her job and fully commit to her musical aspirations. Determined to forge a distinct sound that diverged from mainstream Afropop, she embarked on a journey of self-creation, diligently writing, producing, and recording her own songs from her home. This period of intense dedication culminated in the release of her self-produced debut single, "Mr Rebel," later that year. The track introduced her characteristic atmospheric, alté sound and quickly resonated with listeners, building a dedicated cult following within Nigeria's alté scene and garnering a loyal fan base known as the "Rebel Gang." [edit]

Tems' career skyrocketed after her feature on Wizkid's "Essence" in 2020. The song became a global hit, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 after a remix with Justin Bieber, and earned her a Grammy nomination. In 2021, she released her second EP If Orange Was a Place and collaborated with Drake on "Fountains." Her song "Free Mind" became a sleeper hit on streaming platforms in 2022.

In 2023, she won her first Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future's "Wait For U." Her debut album Born in the Wild arrived in 2025 to critical acclaim, and its single "Love Me JeJe" won Best African Music Performance at the 2026 Grammys, making her the first Nigerian artist with multiple Grammy wins. That same year, her collaboration with Dave, "Raindance," hit number one on the UK Singles Chart, further cementing her global reach. [edit]

Tems is widely regarded as an authentic, genre-defying trailblazer who prioritizes artistic integrity over commercial trends. Her aesthetic is minimalist yet striking, often featuring bold fashion, natural hair, and ethereal visuals that mirror her soulful, introspective sound. Media coverage emphasizes her reflective, vulnerable tone and empowering lyrics, while fans—known as the 'Rebel Gang'—engage in supportive online communities, sharing personal stories tied to her music. On social media, Tems maintains a reserved presence focused on artistry and career updates, avoiding personal drama. Her public persona blends quiet confidence with a deep commitment to representing African creativity on a global stage.[edit]

The community surrounding Tems, known as the Rebel Gang, distinguishes itself through a deep, almost reverent connection to her narrative of self-discovery and artistic autonomy. Unlike fanbases driven by idol worship, the Rebel Gang organizes around shared values of authenticity and the specific cultural pride found in her alté sound. Their engagement is characterized by coordinated streaming efforts that have propelled singles like "What You Need" to historic chart positions, proving their ability to translate digital affection into tangible industry impact. This group actively curates the artist's legacy, celebrating milestones from her executive production on the Children of Blood and Bone soundtrack to her intimate NPR Tiny Desk sessions with legendary vocalists.

Tems' global stature reflects this dedicated support, placing her firmly among the most recognized figures in her field. She stands as the 32nd most famous person in Nigeria, a position she has held steady alongside her standing as the 19th most famous person from Nigeria. Within the specific sphere of Afrobeats, her influence is even more pronounced, ranking her as the 6th most famous person in Afrobeats. These placements within the iFANN Global Fame Rankings underscore a career built on consistent output and cross-cultural resonance rather than fleeting viral moments.[edit]

Tems adopted her stage name as a shortened version of her birth name, Temilade, while her debut single "Mr Rebel" inspired her devoted followers to adopt the moniker "Rebel Gang." A self-taught producer, she frequently handles her own music production duties, maintaining creative control over her distinct sonic palette. In a significant move for African representation in sports, she became the first African woman to own a stake in a Major League Soccer team, San Diego FC, in 2025. Her songwriting prowess was further highlighted when she co-wrote Rihanna's "Lift Me Up" for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

Cultural lore now surrounds her historic achievement as the first Nigerian artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 via her collaboration with Future. Fans also revere her role as the executive music producer for the Children of Blood and Bone film soundtrack, a project that cemented her status as a curator of African mythology. Another defining chapter involves her performance at the opening ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, an event that placed her among elite artists honored by American institutions.[edit]

Tems was raised primarily by her mother in Lagos after her parents separated. She has a brother with whom she grew up. She has described her mother as a strong influence who encouraged her musical pursuits. She keeps her family life private and has not publicly shared details about her father. [edit]

Tems has collaborated with several major artists, including Wizkid on the hit "Essence," Drake on "Fountains," and Future on "Wait For U," which won a Grammy. She also co-wrote "Lift Me Up" for Rihanna. Her work with British rapper Dave on "Raindance" became her first UK number one. [edit]

Tems has kept her romantic life extremely private and has not publicly confirmed any relationships as of 2026. She has stated in interviews that she prefers to focus on her music and personal growth. There have been speculative rumors linking her to collaborators like Wizkid and Dave, but these are not supported by credible sources. As of 2026, she is reportedly single. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Tems' net worth at $4 Million as of 2026. Her financial portfolio is anchored by substantial earnings from music sales, streaming revenue, and extensive touring schedules. Songwriting credits provide a steady stream of income, particularly from her work co-writing Rihanna's "Lift Me Up." While specific endorsement deals remain private, brand partnerships contribute significantly to her overall wealth. The acquisition of a stake in San Diego FC in 2025 marked a major expansion of her assets beyond the music industry. Since her breakout moment in 2020, her net worth has grown consistently, with notable increases following her Grammy wins and sustained chart success.[edit]

Tems has won two Grammy Awards: Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for her feature on Future's "Wait For U," and Best African Music Performance in 2026 for her single "Love Me JeJe." She also won a BET Award for Best International Act and has received multiple nominations across major award shows. [edit]