Who Is Tems? Biography
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, hails from Lagos, Nigeria. She gained mainstream attention with her powerful voice and distinctive style, initially breaking out with hit singles like "Try Me" and features with artists such as Wizkid and Drake. Her music often addresses themes of love, empowerment, and resilience, which resonate deeply with her growing fanbase.
| Occupation | R&B Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 11, 1995 |
| Age | 30 Years |
| Birth Place | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Nigeria |
Popularity
Tems's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Tems stands at approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) tall. Her weight is estimated to be around 154 lbs (70 kg). Known for her confident stage presence, her measurements are roughly 34-28-36 inches, representing a healthy and fit physique that complements her dynamic performances.
In 2020, Tems released her debut extended play, For Broken Ears. Her second extended play, If Orange Was a Place (2021), was released after she signed a record deal with RCA Records.
In 2022, Tems' vocals from her song "Higher" were sampled by Future on his single, "Wait for U", which led to her being credited as a featured artist alongside Drake on the song. It debuted atop 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 song earned her the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Tems covered Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack album in July 2022 and in the same month, her song "Free Mind" from her debut EP debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 46 and breaking the female record for longest charting number one song on R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
She also co-wrote and rendered background vocals on the song "Lift Me Up" by Rihanna, which earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.
Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Tems is rumored to be dating a prominent figure in the music industry, although she has chosen to keep details about her romantic life away from the media spotlight. Fans and followers are curious about who she is dating, but Tems has always prioritized her music career over revealing personal relationships.
Her first name Temilade means "the crown is mine" in Yoruba, She is of Yoruba ethnicity. Her family relocated to the United Kingdom when she was an infant, then returned to Nigeria following her parents' separation, when she was five years old. Tems resided in Ilupeju before moving to Lekki and later Ajah.
She attended Dowen College for her secondary education and Monash South Africa for her tertiary education, where she obtained a degree in economics.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Tems' estimated net worth is around $4 million, a testament to her rapidly growing success in the music industry. Her earnings come from music sales, streaming royalties, live performances, and brand endorsements, showcasing her ability to monetize her talent effectively. With several hit singles and collaborations under her belt, her financial outlook continues to look bright.
Career, Business, and Investments
Tems' career took off dramatically post-2020, with her music receiving international acclaim. She has worked with significant artists and producers, which has significantly raised her profile. Besides her music career, Tems has also ventured into business with her own merchandise line, promoting her brand and vision.
As an influential figure, she has made a point to invest in various charitable causes, focusing on issues like mental health awareness and youth empowerment in Nigeria. These investments reflect her dedication to giving back to her community while also expanding her brand.
Throughout her career, Tems has received many accolades, including two Grammy Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards and three Soul Train Music Awards.
Social Network
Tems is quite active on social media platforms, utilizing her presence to connect with fans and promote her work. She has a substantial following on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, where she shares updates about her music, personal insights, and moments from her life. Her engagement with her audience is a significant part of her brand, helping her maintain a loyal fanbase.
In 2018, Tems quit her job in digital marketing to pursue a career in music. She began to learn self production skills on YouTube and on July 18th, 2018, she released her debut single, "Mr Rebel", a song which she produced by herself. On 7 August 2019, she released the single "Try Me".
In 2020, DJ Edu chose her as one of "ten artists to watch" that year. On 23 April 2020, Tems was featured alongside fellow Nigerian singer Davido on a reworked version of American singer-songwriter Khalid and English electronic music duo Disclosure's single, "Know Your Worth".
Education
Tems attended the University of Lagos, where she studied Industrial Psychology. Her educational background has played a role in shaping her approach to her career and professional relationships in the competitive music industry.
In high school, she was frequently bullied because of her voice. At 11 years old, she joined her school choir and soon began singing in falsetto but was noticed by her music teacher who coached her and taught her how to play the piano. Tems often practiced singing with her brother, who often accompanied her on guitar.
