Temilade Openiyi, best known as Tems, is a 30-year-old Nigerian singer, songwriter, producer, and actress.
She was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on June 11, 1995, shortly after her family relocated to the United Kingdom, where they stayed until she was about five years old. Tems had to move back to Nigeria after her parents separated.
Tems attended Dowen College for her secondary education and Monash South Africa for her tertiary education, where she obtained a degree in economics.
Tems has in the past narrated how she got bullied because of her voice in high school and even outside of school. She often received unsolicited comments and advice from strangers regarding the pitch of her voice.
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This affected her self-esteem, which led her to believe that she sounded like a boy or that her voice was otherwise ugly. She kept the struggles to herself and took an interest in learning piano and refining her vocals, often performing alongside her brother, Muyiwa Awoniyi, who played guitar.
How She Overcame Her Parents’ Divorce
The journey after her parents’ separation, she recalls, was not easy. Tems faced numerous challenges growing up under the care of her mother only, including dealing with instability and moving homes. She has spoken about early times being difficult financially.
Despite the challenges, she chose not to dwell on sadness but to persevere, developing her voice both literally and figuratively, and to believe that even in tough circumstances, she could excel at what she does.
Her music career began when she was singing in a church choir, school music, and practicing with her brother’s guitar.
In 2018, she dropped her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” and despite initial financial struggles, her independent releases like “Try Me” and her EP For Broken Ears gained traction, especially after her collabo with Wizkid on “Essence” brought her global attention.
She has since released her debut album, Born in the Wild, won a Grammy, and collaborated with numerous international artists like Drake and Future, establishing herself as a leading force in alternative and African music.
Also Read: Tems is the First Nigerian Female Singer to Win a Grammy
Tems’ work on the Black Panther soundtrack “Lift Me Up” with Rihanna and her feature on Beyonce’s Renaissance album further solidified her international status. These strategic partnerships have elevated her as a leading global music figure.
In 2023 and 2025, she won Grammy Awards for best melodic rap performance with “Wait for You”, a collaboration with Drake, and the best African music performance with “Love me Jeje”.
She also holds two National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards for her outstanding international song with “No Woman No Cry” and “Me and U” among others.
Temilade has quickly risen in the music industry. In July 2024, she captivated her audience with an extraordinary performance during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final halftime show, alongside powerhouses J Balvin and Doja Cat.
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