Tems is one of the most influential and successful Nigerian singers, songwriters, and record producers of her generation.
Tems is renowned for her distinctive style of alternative R&B and Afrobeats that has earned her global recognition and acclaim.
In this News Round the Clock (NRTC) post, we will explore her biography, music career, achievements, and personal life.
Early life and education
Tems was born as Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. Her mother is Nigerian and her father is British-Nigerian.
Her parents divorced when she was five years old, and she moved with her mother and brother to Ilupeju, then to Lekki and Ajah in Lagos.
She attended Dowen College in Lekki for her secondary education and Monash South Africa University in Johannesburg for her tertiary education, where she graduated with a degree in Economics.
Music career
Tems developed a passion for music from a young age. She joined a local choir and learned to play the piano and guitar. She also taught herself how to produce music by watching YouTube videos.
Tems released her debut single, “Mr Rebel”, in 2018, which she produced by herself. The song showcased her soulful vocals and captivating lyrics.
She followed it up with another single, “Try Me”, in 2019, which became a viral hit and established her as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene.
In 2020, Tems released her first extended play (EP), For Broken Ears, which featured six tracks, including “Damages” and “Free Mind”.
The EP received positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised her unique sound and artistic vision.
She also collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, such as Wizkid, Khalid, Davido, Disclosure, and Justin Bieber.
She was featured on Wizkid’s 2020 single “Essence”, which peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 chart following the release of the remix version with Justin Bieber.
The song earned her a Grammy Award nomination for Best Global Music Performance.
Also Read: Tems becomes first Nigerian artiste to hit Billboard No.1 Hot 100, here are 3 things that made her music mainstream
In 2021, Tems signed a record deal with RCA Records and released her second EP, If Orange Was a Place, which included five tracks, such as “Crazy Tings” and “Found”.
The EP debuted at number 12 on the Billboard World Albums chart and received critical acclaim for its production, songwriting, and vocals.
She also appeared on Drake’s album Certified Lover Boy on the track “Fountains”, which became a global hit and reached number one on several charts around the world.
In 2022, Tems continued to break records and make history with her music. Her vocals from her song “Higher” were sampled by Future on his single “Wait for U”, which also featured Drake.
The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making her the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian artist to top the chart after Wizkid.
The song also won her the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance. She also covered Bob Marley’s classic “No Woman, No Cry” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack album and saw her song “Free Mind” from her debut EP chart on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 46.
Awards and recognition
Tems earned accolades, including a Grammy, two NAACP Image Awards, three BET Awards, and an Academy Award nomination. Time and Forbes recognized her among Africa’s most influential, naming her one of Time’s influential people and Forbes’ influential women in music.
Philanthropy and activism
Tems is not only a talented musician but also a philanthropist and an activist. She has supported various causes such as education, women empowerment, mental health awareness, and social justice.
She has also spoken out against police brutality and injustice in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Personal life
Tems is currently single and focused on her music career. She has not revealed much about her personal life or relationships to the public. She prefers to keep her private life away from the media spotlight.
Tems is an inspiration to many young people who aspire to pursue their dreams and passions. She is a trailblazer who has carved out a niche for herself in the music industry with her originality and creativity. She is a force to be reckoned with and a star to watch out for.
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