Tems is fast becoming a continent-spanning star in her own right. She is from the lush cultural capital of Lagos, Nigeria, which has become an incubator of exciting, fresh-sounding afrobeats stars like Wizkid and Davido. In 2020, from Lagos, she released her debut EP For Broken Ears— which spawned the hit single “Free Mind.” Three years later, Tems has a serious chance of nabbing the Academy Award for “Best Original Song” as a songwriter on Rihanna’s Black Panther: Wakanda Forever anthem “Lift Me Up.”
“I love Rihanna, obviously,” Tems says of working with the Barbadian pop star. “I feel like every girl that grew up in the 2000s definitely loves Rihanna.” Tems expresses astonishment at the singer performing a song she co-wrote “80-90 percent of.”
Breakout Nigerian artist Tems attended her very first Grammy Awards in 2023. The 27-year-old musician—who, last year, worked with Beyoncé, Rihanna, Drake, and Future—was up for multiple awards, including Best Melodic Rap Performance (for her collaboration with Future) and Album of the Year (through her featured appearance on Beyoncé’s Renaissance). “I’ve never been in the same place with so many artists in one space before,” Tems says, speaking to Vogue, from her hotel room. “People coming together to celebrate work and art.”
Inside the star-studded ceremony, Tems nabbed her first Grammy during the pre-televised segment. A cherry on top: meeting a personal idol. “I met Mary J. Blige,” Tems says, awe filling her voice. “I used to listen to her when I was 13 or 12 like… a lot.” She takes a moment to consider what her former self might think of the meaningful run-in. “I come from Lagos and, at that time, there was no way I thought I would ever meet her. That was very cool.”
There are in fact quite a lot of fascinating things you might not have been told about Tems including her family, background, finances, and personal life. TheVibely has gathered 10 interesting things to know about the singer.
Profile Summary
| Celebrated Name: | Tems |
| Net Worth: | $1 million to $2 million |
| Profession: | Singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Full Real Name: | Temilade Openiyi |
| Gender: | Female |
| Birthday: | 11 June 1995 |
| Age: | 27 years old (as of 2022) |
| Birthplace: | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Current Residence: | Nigeria |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Tribe: | Yoruba |
| Ethnicity: | British-Nigerian |
| Religion: | Christian |
| Sexuality: | Straight |
| Zodiac Sign: | Gemini |
| Education: | Dowen College in Lekki, Monash South Africa University. |
| Height: | 5’4” (163 cm) |
| Weight: | 132 Ibs (60 kg) |
| Siblings: | 1 |
| Parents: | Mr. and Mrs. Openiyi (divorced) |
| Boyfriend: | Single |
| Children: | None |
1. Who is Tems?
Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. She is best known for songs like No Woman, No Cry, Crazy Things, and Free Mind. She has worked with famous artists like Wizkid and the Canadian singer Justin Bieber. Her songs have ranked number one on various music charts, such as the Billboard Next Big Sound and Billboard Emerging Artist.
Tems began her musical career at a tender age by joining a local choir. She is now a superstar and has been nominated for various awards, including NAACP Image Awards, Soul Train Music, and BET Awards. She is the first African female to win the Best International Category at the BET Awards.
2. How did Tems get famous?
She is a fast-rising Nigerian singer, songwriter, and recording artist. She started showing interest in music in childhood and used to play guitar and piano in her school days. She discovered her talent when she joined a local choir and later started recording songs with the choir. Her brother owned a guitar that she used during her practice.
She released her first single, Mr. Rebel, in 2018, which she produced herself. One year later, she released another single titled Try Me. In 2020, the Nigerian singer was featured by Davido in a reworked version of the American singer Khalid and Disclosure titled Know Your Worth.
She came into the limelight when she was featured in Essence by Wizkid. The song earned her a Grammy Award nomination.
She has also been featured on Future’s 2022 single Wait For You alongside Drake. The single debuted at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian artist to top the chart.
The Nigerian singer has received the following nominations; two BET Awards, two NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Music Award. Some of the popular songs she is known for include; Try Me, Damage, Crazy Things, Vibe out, Free Mind, The Key, Replay, and Wait For You.
3. How old is Tems?
Tems whose real name is Temilade Openiyi is 27 years old as of January 2023. When is Tems’ birthday? She celebrates her birthday on the 11th of June each year. She was born in Lagos state, Nigeria. Her zodiac sign is Gemini.
4. How tall is Tems?
The music artist is 5 feet 4 inches (163 centimetres) tall. What is Tems’ weight? She weighs approximately 132 pounds (60 kg).
5. Who are Tems’ parents?
Her mother is Nigerian, and her father is British-Nigerian. However, they divorced when she was five years old. She has one brother.
After her parents separated, her mother moved with Tems and her brother to Ilupeji in Nigeria. She also spent her childhood in Lekki and Ajah.
This can be seen in Tems’ debut Extended Play For Broken Ears. In one of the songs, Témiládè Interlude, the singer’s mother gives an account of how she was so sure that she was going to give birth to a special female baby whose name was destined to be Témiládè Openiyi. Temilade translates to the crown is mine.
6. Where did Tems attend school?
She attended Dowen College in Lekki. Afterward, she moved to Johannesburg and joined Monash South Africa University. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Economics from the university.
7. She learned how to sing at 12 and had insecurities with her voice.
The Try me breakout star revealed in an interview with Fader that she used to be unsure of her vocals because she thought her voice was too heavy for a girl.
Tems also noted that the first song she ever scored properly in her life was Alicia Keys’ “If I ain’t Got You,” at the age of 12. Then, as time passed, she started listening to Burna Boy, Asa, and the rest.
The Nigerian soul artist decided to quit her job as a digital marketer after she realized that music was her true calling instead of doing a 9-to-5 job that frustrated her so much. Tems forced herself to learn how to make her beats after producers demanded more than she could offer at that time. The young lady explained that she learned the skill of music production by watching YouTube videos.
8. Who is Tems dating right now?
A guy named Dubby claimed to be her ex-boyfriend. He claimed that the two broke up after he allegedly cheated on her with her best friend. In her response, she denied having met or seen him.
Who is Tems’ boyfriend?
Despite speculations of Tems dating Wizkid after the two were spotted in a cosy stage performance and even been linked with some international artists, TheVibely.com can confirm that the singer is not romantically into them as their relations can be termed as ‘just collaborators’. The Nigerian singer has not disclosed any information about her dating life. Currently, she is single, not dating anyone, not in any relationship, has never been married, and doesn’t have children.
9. What is Tems’ net worth?
Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer with a current net worth of $1 million to $2 million, per CA Knowledge. The outlet states that she makes around $10,000 in a month and around $100K in a year. She has been featured in popular songs by well-known artists which contribute to her fortune. Also, she makes her money from music sales, online streaming platforms, and partnerships with brands and companies. She has won multiple awards and nominations since she began her music career.
What car does Tems drive?
With such a lumpy net worth, Tems will be able to afford any car of her choice, but for now, Carmart confirms she owns a Range Rover.
Does Tems have a house?
Terms have managed to live a private life despite her growing popularity and fan base. As of the time of this writing, there is no public record of her owning a house. However, it is reported that she lives in Lagos.
10. Aside from Grammy Awards, Tems has bagged herself other international nods.
Apart from the just concluded Grammy Awards, the higher crooner has a collection of international trophies on her shelf. Tems has received many accolades, including two NAACP Image Awards, two BET Awards, two Soul Train Music Awards, two American music awards, and one Hollywood music award.
American rapper Snoop Dogg publicly begged Tems for a collaboration. On January 20, American ace rapper Snoop Dogg literally begged our Tems baby for a music collaboration in a video. “Tems, you know I’m a fan… Let’s make a fvcking hit record, girl. You have been having my whole family dancing to your shii… I need one with you,” Snoop Dogg declared on the call.
Aside from Snoop Doggy, Tems has met and dined with a tall list of international stars with most of them being musicians looking forward to working with her.
