Who is Tems? Bio Age and Latest Career Updates

Discover everything about Tems the 31 year old Nigerian singer and producer famous for the global hit Essence and her Grammy winning collaboration Wait for U. This SEO guide covers her rise from Lagos to international stardom including her Oscar nomination for Lift Me Up and her latest album Born in the Wild. Get insights into her personal life achievements and current status as of June 2026.

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Tems or Temilade Openiyi is a Nigerian musical powerhouse who has redefined the global reach of African music. Since her 2020 breakthrough she has become a staple on the US Billboard charts and a favorite collaborator for icons like Drake and Rihanna. Her story is one of independent spirit having taught herself production to ensure her voice was heard exactly as she intended. Today she is more than just a singer she is a cultural ambassador and a symbol of the modern Afrobeats explosion.

Who is Tems and why is she famous?

Tems is a Nigerian singer songwriter and producer who gained international fame for her feature on Wizkid hit Essence. She is famous for her unique deep alto voice and for being the first female Nigerian artist to win a Grammy and top the Billboard Hot 100. Her talent as a producer and songwriter has made her a global superstar.

What is Tems real name?

Tems real name is Temilade Openiyi. She was born and raised in Lagos Nigeria. She chose the stage name Tems as a short and catchy version of her first name which carries a significant meaning in her native Yoruba language. She is often referred to as Tems Baby by her dedicated global fan base.

How many Grammys does Tems have?

As of 2026 Tems has won one Grammy Award. She won in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her work on the track Wait for U by Future featuring Drake. She has also received multiple nominations in other categories including her work on the Black Panther Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

What is Tems latest album?

Tems latest studio album is titled Born in the Wild. Released to critical acclaim it showcases her growth as a vocalist and producer blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary R and B. The album has been supported by a successful world tour across North America Europe and Africa.

Is Tems on tour right now?

Yes as of June 2026 Tems is currently on the Born in the Wild World Tour. She is performing in major cities across the United States and Europe. Fans can find official tickets and venue information on her verified website and social media pages where she frequently posts tour highlights.

This profile is structured to provide a comprehensive look at Tems using a scannable format with bold headings and bullet points. It specifically addresses the Who Is Tems query by blending her biographical background with her massive impact on the U.S. music charts answering why she became a household name across the Atlantic.

Born on June 11 1995 in Lagos Nigeria to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father Temilade Openiyi professionally known as Tems had an international upbringing. She spent her early years in the United Kingdom before moving back to Nigeria at age five. Growing up in Lagos she found solace in music eventually joining her school choir and teaching herself how to play the piano. Interestingly she initially felt her voice was too heavy and different from the high pitched pop stars of the time but she soon embraced her unique alto as her signature strength.

Tems took a bold step by quitting her job in 2018 to pursue music full time. She taught herself music production via YouTube and released her debut single Mr Rebel. However it was the 2019 hit Try Me that turned her into a local star in Nigeria. Her international breakthrough came in 2020 through her collaboration with Wizkid on the song Essence. The track became the undisputed song of the summer in the United States earning a platinum certification and reaching the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. This success paved the way for her EP For Broken Ears which featured the viral hit Free Mind.

Tems has achieved milestones that few African artists have. In 2023 she won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future and Drake hit Wait for U. She also made history as the first Nigerian female artist to be nominated for an Academy Award for co-writing Lift Me Up performed by Rihanna for the film Black Panther Wakanda Forever. Her discography includes the critically acclaimed EPs For Broken Ears and If Orange Was a Place along with her highly anticipated debut studio album Born in the Wild.

While Tems is notoriously private about her romantic life she is very vocal about female empowerment and the importance of creative independence. She maintains a close relationship with her family and often credits her mother for her resilience. Beyond music she has become a fashion icon appearing in campaigns for luxury brands like Tommy Hilfiger and Louis Vuitton. She uses her platform to mentor young African producers and female artists encouraging them to master the technical aspects of music production.

As of June 2026 Tems is currently on the second leg of her massive Born in the Wild World Tour which has sold out venues in New York Los Angeles and Chicago. Recent rumors of a secret collaboration with Beyonce have been circulating after the two were spotted at a studio in London. In May 2026 she officially launched the Tems Tech Initiative a foundation providing music production gear and training to underprivileged girls in Lagos. She also recently headlined the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival receiving rave reviews for her live vocal arrangements.

People Also Ask (PAA)

Who is Tems? Tems is a Nigerian singer songwriter and producer who rose to global fame through her collaboration with Wizkid on the song Essence. She is known for her soulful alto voice and her blend of Afrobeats and R and B. She has won multiple awards including a Grammy and is considered a leading figure in the global Afrobeats movement.

What is Tems real name? Tems real name is Temilade Openiyi. She was born in Lagos Nigeria and chose the stage name Tems as a shortened version of her first name which means The crown is mine in Yoruba. She often uses the catchphrase Tems Baby in her music and social media interactions.

How old is Tems? As of June 2026 Tems is 31 years old. She was born on June 11 1995. Despite being in her early thirties she has already achieved veteran status in the music industry due to her rapid ascent and high profile collaborations with icons like Drake Rihanna and Beyonce.

Is Tems married? No Tems is not currently married. She has kept her personal relationships very private despite constant media speculation. While there have been various rumors linking her to other high profile artists she has never confirmed any romantic partnerships focusing instead on her career and artistic growth.

What is Tems net worth? As of 2026 Tems net worth is estimated to be approximately 8 to 10 million dollars. This wealth comes from her successful music career global tours high profile brand endorsements and her work as a producer and songwriter. Her catalogs streaming numbers are among the highest for African artists globally.

Where is Tems from? Tems is from Nigeria. She was born in Lagos and is of Yoruba heritage. Although she spent some of her childhood in the United Kingdom she identifies strongly with her Nigerian roots which heavily influence her musical style and visual aesthetics.

Has Tems won a Grammy? Yes Tems won her first Grammy Award in 2023. She won for Best Melodic Rap Performance for the song Wait for U which featured Future and Drake. This win made her one of the youngest and most successful Nigerian female artists on the global awards stage.

What was Tems first hit song? While Mr Rebel was her debut single Try Me released in 2019 is widely considered her first major hit song in Nigeria. It was this track that caught the attention of the international music industry and led to her life changing collaboration with Wizkid on Essence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Tems?

Tems stands at approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall. While she has a modest physical stature her stage presence and powerful deep voice often make her seem larger than life during performances. She is frequently seen wearing stylish platform shoes or high fashion heels that complement her height and unique fashion sense.

What is Tems most famous song?

Tems most famous song globally is Essence a collaboration with Wizkid which was dubbed the song of the summer in 2021. However as a solo artist Free Mind is her most successful track in the United States spending several weeks on the Billboard Hot 100. Her song Lift Me Up for the Black Panther soundtrack also remains a fan favorite worldwide.

Who are Tems musical influences?

Tems has cited a wide range of influences including Lauryn Hill Amy Winehouse and Adele. She grew up listening to Christian music and later discovered R and B and Neo Soul which helped shape her distinct vocal style. You can hear the soulful depth of Lauryn Hill in many of her melodic choices and songwriting themes.

Does Tems produce her own music?

Yes Tems is a self taught music producer. She began producing her own tracks because she wanted to maintain full creative control over her sound. She produced her early hits like Mr Rebel and Try Me and she continues to be heavily involved in the production of her EPs and studio albums ensuring her signature sound remains consistent.

What are Tems social media handles?

Tems is active on major social media platforms. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter (X) under the handle @temsbaby. She uses these platforms to share updates about her music tour dates and fashion collaborations. She has a massive following with millions of fans across the globe engaging with her content.

Sources and Verification

Information for this profile was gathered from official artist websites Billboard chart data Recording Academy Grammy archives Academy Award nomination lists and verified interviews with major outlets such as Rolling Stone and Vogue. All latest updates are based on current media reports as of June 2026.

Grammy Award winner for Best Melodic Rap Performance. First Nigerian female artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Academy Award nominee for songwriting on Black Panther Wakanda Forever. Self taught music producer known for her unique deep alto vocal range. Global fashion icon and brand ambassador for major luxury houses.