Unveiling Tems: The Multifaceted Nigerian Singer-Songwriter Taking The World By Storm

Erin Marvin 04 Aug 2025

Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems is one of the most exciting new voices in Afrobeats. Born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1995, she began singing and songwriting at a young age. She rose to prominence in 2018 with her collaboration with Wizkid on the hit song "Essence," which earned her a Grammy nomination.

Tems's music is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. Her lyrics are often introspective and poetic, dealing with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Her unique voice and songwriting skills have earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

In addition to her solo career, Tems has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Drake, Khalid, and Beyonc. She has performed at major festivals around the world, including Coachella and Glastonbury.

Who is Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems?

Tems is a Nigerian singer-songwriter who has gained international recognition for her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul music.

Birth Name: Temilade Openiyi
Born: 1995
Birth Place: Lagos, Nigeria
Genre: Afrobeats, R&B, soul
Occupation: Singer, songwriter
Years active: 2018-present
Labels: RCA Records, Since '93 Records
Notable Collaborations: Wizkid, Drake, Khalid, Beyonc

Tems's music is often introspective and poetic, dealing with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Her unique voice and songwriting skills have earned her a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim. She has been nominated for several awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Performance.

Tems is a rising star in the music industry, and her unique sound is sure to continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Birth Name

Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter who has gained international recognition for her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul music.

Facet 1: Personal Identity
Temilade Openiyi's birth name is significant because it represents her personal identity and heritage. As a Nigerian artist, her name reflects her cultural roots and her connection to her homeland.
Facet 2: Stage Name
Tems' stage name is a shortened version of her birth name. It is a catchy and memorable name that is easy for fans to remember and identify with. Her stage name also helps to create a distinct brand identity for her music.
Facet 3: Professionalism
Using her birth name as her stage name adds a sense of professionalism and credibility to Tems' music career. It shows that she is serious about her music and that she is not afraid to be herself.
Facet 4: Fan Connection
Tems' fans often refer to her by her birth name, Temilade Openiyi, as a sign of respect and admiration. This shows that her fans are not only interested in her music, but also in her as a person.

In conclusion, Temilade Openiyi's birth name is an important part of her identity as a Nigerian singer-songwriter. It represents her personal heritage, her professional aspirations, and her connection to her fans.

Born

Tems was born in 1995, which has had a significant impact on her career as a Nigerian singer-songwriter.

Facet 1: Generational Influences
Tems is part of a generation of Nigerian artists who have been influenced by a diverse range of musical genres, including Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. This is reflected in her own music, which often blends these genres to create a unique and contemporary sound.
Facet 2: Technological Advancements
Tems' career has benefited from the technological advancements that have occurred since she was born. For example, the rise of social media has allowed her to connect with fans and promote her music on a global scale. She has also been able to use streaming platforms to release her music and reach a wider audience.
Facet 3: Cultural Context
The year 1995 was a significant year for Nigeria, as it marked the end of military rule and the beginning of a new era of democracy. This cultural context has influenced Tems' music, which often reflects the social and political issues facing Nigeria today.
Facet 4: Global Impact
Tems' music has had a global impact, as she has collaborated with artists from all over the world, including Drake, Khalid, and Beyonc. Her music has also been featured in films and television shows, which has helped to introduce her to a wider audience.

In conclusion, Tems' birth in 1995 has had a significant impact on her career as a Nigerian singer-songwriter. It has shaped her musical style, her use of technology, her cultural context, and her global impact.

Birth Place

Tems' birth place, Lagos, Nigeria, has had a significant impact on her development as a singer-songwriter.

Musical Influences
Lagos is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich musical culture. Tems was exposed to a wide range of musical genres growing up, including Afrobeats, hip-hop, and R&B. This exposure influenced her own musical style, which often blends these genres to create a unique and contemporary sound.
Cultural Context
Lagos is a city with a strong sense of community and culture. Tems' music often reflects the social and political issues facing Nigeria today. She sings about love, loss, and hope, and her music often resonates with people who are struggling with similar issues.
Industry Connections
Lagos is home to a thriving music industry. Tems was able to connect with other musicians and producers in the city, which helped her to develop her craft and launch her career.
Global Impact
Lagos is a global city, and Tems' music has been able to reach a wide audience around the world. She has collaborated with artists from all over the world, and her music has been featured in films and television shows.

In conclusion, Tems' birth place, Lagos, Nigeria, has had a significant impact on her development as a singer-songwriter. It has shaped her musical style, her cultural context, her industry connections, and her global impact.

Genre

Tems is a Nigerian singer-songwriter whose music blends Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. This unique combination of genres has helped her to stand out in the music industry and gain a global following.

Afrobeats is a genre of music that originated in Nigeria in the 1970s. It is characterized by its fast tempo, syncopated rhythms, and call-and-response vocals. R&B is a genre of music that originated in the United States in the 1940s. It is characterized by its smooth, soulful sound and its focus on love and relationships. Soul music is a genre of music that originated in the United States in the 1950s. It is characterized by its emotional intensity, its use of gospel-inspired vocals, and its focus on social and political issues.

Tems' music often deals with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Her lyrics are often introspective and poetic, and her music has been praised for its honesty and authenticity. She has been compared to other great singer-songwriters such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu.

Tems' genre-bending music has helped her to appeal to a wide range of audiences. She has performed at major festivals around the world, and her music has been featured in films and television shows. She is one of the most exciting new voices in music, and her unique sound is sure to continue to captivate audiences for years to come.

Occupation

Tems is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, which means that she writes and performs her own music. This is a significant part of her identity as an artist, and it has a major impact on her creative process and the overall sound of her music.

As a singer, Tems has a unique and soulful voice that is instantly recognizable. She is able to convey a wide range of emotions through her singing, from love and joy to sadness and pain. Her songwriting is also very personal and introspective, and she often writes about her own experiences and struggles.

Tems' occupation as a singer-songwriter has allowed her to connect with audiences all over the world. Her music has been praised for its honesty and authenticity, and she has been compared to other great singer-songwriters such as Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu.

In conclusion, Tems' occupation as a singer-songwriter is an essential part of her identity as an artist. It has allowed her to develop a unique and personal sound, and it has helped her to connect with audiences all over the world.

Years active

The years active for Tems, 2018 to the present, are a significant part of her identity as a Nigerian singer-songwriter. It was during this time that she rose to prominence and gained international recognition for her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul music.

Tems' career began in 2018 with the release of her debut single, "Mr Rebel." The song was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to introduce Tems to a global audience. Since then, she has released a number of other hit songs, including "Try Me," "Damages," and "Essence." She has also collaborated with a number of other artists, including Drake, Khalid, and Beyonc.

Tems' years active have been marked by her consistent release of high-quality music. She has also been praised for her live performances, which are known for their energy and passion. As a result of her hard work and dedication, Tems has become one of the most popular and successful Nigerian singer-songwriters in the world.

The years active for Tems are an important part of her story as an artist. They represent a time of growth and development, and they have helped to shape her into the artist she is today.

Labels

The labels RCA Records and Since '93 Records play a significant role in the career of Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems. RCA Records is an American record label owned by Sony Music Entertainment, and it is one of the "big three" record labels in the world. Since '93 Records is a Nigerian record label founded by Tems' manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi. Tems is signed to both labels, which gives her access to a wide range of resources and support.

Global Reach:
RCA Records has a global reach, which allows Tems to distribute her music to a worldwide audience. This is important for Tems, as she has fans all over the world.
Financial Support:
RCA Records provides Tems with financial support, which allows her to invest in her music career. This includes funding for recording, production, marketing, and touring.
Industry Expertise:
RCA Records has a wealth of industry expertise, which can be invaluable to Tems as she navigates the music industry. The label can provide her with advice on everything from songwriting to marketing to touring.
Creative Freedom:
Despite being signed to a major label, Tems still has a great deal of creative freedom. She is able to write and record the music that she wants to make, and she has full control over her artistic vision.

The relationship between Tems and her labels is mutually beneficial. RCA Records provides Tems with the resources and support she needs to succeed, while Tems brings her unique talent and artistry to the label. This partnership has been essential to Tems' success, and it is likely to continue to play a major role in her career.

Notable Collaborations

Tems' notable collaborations with Wizkid, Drake, Khalid, and Beyonc have significantly contributed to her rise as a Nigerian singer-songwriter. These collaborations have not only increased her visibility and credibility but also showcased her versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles.

These collaborations have also introduced Tems' music to a wider audience. For example, her collaboration with Wizkid on the hit song "Essence" brought her international recognition and earned her a Grammy nomination. Similarly, her collaboration with Drake on the song "Fountains" further solidified her status as a global artist.

Moreover, these collaborations have allowed Tems to learn from and be inspired by other talented artists. Working with established musicians has helped her develop her songwriting skills, vocal techniques, and overall artistry.

In conclusion, Tems' notable collaborations with Wizkid, Drake, Khalid, and Beyonc have been instrumental in shaping her career and solidifying her position as a leading Nigerian singer-songwriter. These collaborations have not only increased her visibility and credibility but also showcased her versatility and ability to adapt to different musical styles, all while allowing her to learn from and be inspired by other talented artists.

FAQs on Nigerian Singer-Songwriter Tems

This section addresses frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding of Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems.

Question 1: What is Tems' musical style?

Tems' music is a blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. Her unique sound incorporates elements from each genre, creating a captivating and distinctive style.

Question 2: What is the significance of Tems' collaborations?

Tems' collaborations with renowned artists such as Wizkid, Drake, Khalid, and Beyonc have been pivotal in her career. These collaborations have amplified her visibility, showcased her versatility, and facilitated her growth as an artist.

Question 3: What is Tems' songwriting process like?

Tems' songwriting process is deeply personal and introspective. She often draws inspiration from her own experiences and emotions, crafting lyrics that are honest, relatable, and thought-provoking.

Question 4: What are some of Tems' most notable achievements?

Tems has achieved significant recognition, including a Grammy nomination for her collaboration with Wizkid on "Essence." She has also performed at prestigious events and festivals worldwide, solidifying her status as a global music icon.

Question 5: What is Tems' impact on the music industry?

Tems has emerged as a leading voice in the Afrobeats scene. Her innovative sound and captivating performances have inspired a new generation of artists and expanded the reach of Afrobeats globally.

Question 6: What can we expect from Tems in the future?

Tems continues to evolve as an artist, promising to deliver more groundbreaking music that will touch the hearts and minds of listeners worldwide. With her unique talent and unwavering determination, she is poised to continue making a significant impact on the global music landscape.

Summary: Tems is a highly skilled and versatile Nigerian singer-songwriter whose music transcends boundaries. Her collaborations, songwriting prowess, and notable achievements have solidified her position as a global music icon. With her continued growth and innovation, Tems is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting legacy in the music industry.

Transition: Read on to explore the impact and analysis of Tems' music and career.

Tips for Understanding Nigerian Singer-Songwriter Tems

To delve deeper into the artistry and impact of Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems, consider these insightful tips:

Tip 1: Analyze her lyrics
Tems' songwriting is deeply personal and introspective. Pay attention to her lyrics to uncover her unique perspectives, emotions, and experiences.Tip 2: Explore her musical influences
Tems' music seamlessly blends Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. Identify the elements of each genre that she incorporates and how they contribute to her distinct sound.Tip 3: Attend her live performances
Witnessing Tems' captivating stage presence and connection with her audience provides an immersive understanding of her artistry.Tip 4: Read interviews and articles
Delve into interviews and critical analysis of Tems' work to gain insights into her creative process, inspirations, and aspirations.Tip 5: Engage with her social media
Follow Tems on social media to access exclusive content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and updates on her latest projects.

By implementing these tips, you will gain a deeper appreciation for Tems' artistry, her unique blend of musical influences, and her impact on the global music scene.

Transition:

In conclusion, Tems' music transcends boundaries, captivating audiences with its authenticity and innovation. By exploring her lyrics, musical influences, live performances, and personal insights, we can fully grasp the depth and significance of her artistry.

Conclusion

Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has emerged as a global music sensation, captivating audiences with her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. Her introspective lyrics, innovative sound, and collaborations with renowned artists have solidified her place as a leading voice in the music industry.

Tems' music transcends boundaries, resonating with listeners worldwide. Her ability to fuse diverse genres seamlessly has created a distinct and captivating sound that has garnered critical acclaim and commercial success. Through her collaborations with Wizkid, Drake, and Beyonc, Tems has expanded the reach of Afrobeats and showcased the vibrant tapestry of Nigerian music to the world.

As Tems continues to evolve as an artist, her impact on the music industry is undeniable. Her unique perspective, coupled with her unwavering determination, promises to deliver more groundbreaking music that will continue to captivate and inspire audiences globally.

Nigerian musician Tems wins her first Grammy Award

Nigerian RnB Singer, Tems, Accuses Bebe Cool of Fueling her Arrest

Light Celebrity News