Tems

**Tems** (born Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. She is a prominent figure in the modern Afrobeats movement, known for her distinctive voice and blend of R\&B, Afrobeats, and soul music. **Early Life and Education** Temilade Openiyi was born in Lagos, Nigeria. She attended high school where she was frequently bullied, particularly because of her voice. At the age of 11, she joined her school choir. Her music teacher noticed her talent and coached her, also teaching her how to play the piano. Tems often practiced singing with her brother, who accompanied her on guitar. **Career Progression and Major Achievements** Tems began her professional career in 2018. Her breakthrough came with her appearance on Wizkid’s 2020 single "Essence," which earned her mainstream international recognition, including a Grammy Award nomination for Best Global Music Performance (2022). Tems has since solidified her position as a global music figure, becoming the first Nigerian artist to win multiple Grammy Awards. Her debut album, *For Broken Ears*, was released in 2020, followed by the EP *If Orange Was a Place* in 2021. **Notable Works and Accolades** Tems has received widespread critical acclaim and numerous awards. She has won two Grammy Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award (Breakthrough category, 2024), four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards. Her notable works include the singles "Me & U" (released October 5, 2023) and "Not an Angel" (released December 8, 2023). Tems also co-wrote the Oscar-nominated song "Lift Me Up" for the film *Black Panther: Wakanda Forever*. She was the first female Afrobeats artist to attend the Met Gala in May 2023 and was listed on the 2023 Time 100 Next list. **Current Status** Tems continues to be an influential figure in music. In 2025, she made history by becoming the first African woman to have part ownership in a Major League Soccer team, joining the San Diego FC ownership group. She surprise released her *Love is A Kingdom EP* on November 21, 2025, and won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance in 2025 for her work "Love Me JeJe."