Temilade Anna Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, has risen from the vibrant music scene of Lagos to become one of the most influential and globally celebrated voices in contemporary African music. Born on June 11, 1995, Tems has redefined the boundaries of Afro-fusion with her ethereal vocals, introspective songwriting, and genre-defying production. As a singer, songwriter, and record producer, she has not only achieved monumental commercial success but has also carved out a unique artistic identity that resonates with audiences worldwide, making her a singular force in the modern musical landscape.

Tems' journey to stardom began in earnest with her breakout feature on Wizkid's 2020 single "Essence." The song became a cultural phenomenon, and after a remix featuring Justin Bieber was released, it peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, earning Tems her first Grammy Award nomination. That same year, she collaborated with Drake on the track "Fountains," further solidifying her international appeal. Prior to these high-profile collaborations, she had already established her artistic credibility with her debut extended play, For Broken Ears (2020), which showcased her distinctive sound and set the stage for her solo success. She later signed with RCA Records to release her second EP, If Orange Was a Place (2021), which was met with critical acclaim.

In 2022, Tems achieved a historic milestone when her vocals from the song "Higher" were sampled by Future on the track "Wait for U," which also featured Drake. The song debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making Tems the first African artist to debut atop the chart and only the second Nigerian artist to reach the summit. This achievement earned her the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance. That same year, she contributed a hauntingly beautiful cover of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" to the soundtrack of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and her own song "Free Mind" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 46 and breaking the record for the longest-charting number one song on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart by a female artist. Additionally, her co-writing and background vocals on Rihanna's "Lift Me Up" for the same film earned her nominations for the Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

The year 2024 marked the release of Tems' debut studio album, Born in the Wild, which was met with widespread critical acclaim and reached the top 30 in several countries, including the United Kingdom where it peaked at number 24. She supported the album with her ongoing Born in the Wild Tour, a world tour that showcased her evolution as a live performer. At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Tems won her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance for her song "Love Me JeJe," while the album itself was nominated for Best Global Music Album and its single "Burning" was nominated for Best R&B Song. This victory made her the first Nigerian artist to win multiple Grammy Awards. Continuing her unprecedented run, Tems earned her first number-one single on the UK Singles Chart in 2026 with "Raindance" alongside Dave, a track that also secured her six entries on the Billboard Hot 100.

Throughout her career, Tems has amassed a remarkable collection of accolades, including two Grammy Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards. As of 2025, she has sold over 25 million certified units worldwide, including 12 million RIAA-certified units in the United States alone. From her early days crafting music in Lagos to her current status as a global superstar, Tems remains a pioneering artist whose influence extends beyond charts and awards, inspiring a new generation of musicians across Africa and the world.