Tems Biography: The Global Afrobeats Star’s Age, Height, Family, Recent Album Releases, Career Milestones & Why She Is World-Famous

Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has redefined the global perception of African music through her “Leading Vibe” movement. This Tems biography explores the journey of an artist who transitioned from a self-taught producer in Lagos to a Grammy-winning global icon featured on soundtracks for Marvel’s Black Panther and topping the Billboard Hot 100. By blending elements of Alté, R&B, and Afrobeats, she has secured her place as one of the most influential African voices of the 21st century.

Tems Biography: The Global Afrobeats Star’s Age, Height, Family, Recent Album Releases, Career Milestones & Why She Is World-Famous

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Temilade Openiyi
  • Nickname: Tems, Leading Vibe
  • Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer
  • Date of Birth: June 11, 1995
  • Age: 30 years 11 months old years old
  • Birthplace: Lagos, Nigeria
  • Nationality: Nigerian
  • Ethnicity: Yoruba
  • Zodiac Sign: Gemini
  • Height: 5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
  • Weight: 62 kg (136 lbs)
  • Body Measurements: 34-26-38 inches
  • Hair Color: Black
  • Eye Color: Dark Brown
  • Education: Monash South Africa (Bachelor’s in Economics)
  • Religion: Christianity
  • Sexual Orientation: Straight
  • Marital Status: Single
  • Spouse(s): None
  • Children: None
  • Parents: Nigerian mother, British-Nigerian father
  • Siblings: One brother
  • Known For: “Essence” (with Wizkid), “Wait for U” (with Future & Drake), “Free Mind,” and her debut album Born in the Wild.
  • Net Worth (2026): Estimated $8 million – $10 million
  • Years Active: 2018–Present
  • Current Residence: Lagos, Nigeria & Los Angeles, USA
  • Current Work: Promoting the Born in the Wild World Tour and luxury brand partnerships.

Early Life & Education

Childhood

Temilade Openiyi was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to the United Kingdom. However, following her parents’ divorce when she was five years old, she returned to Nigeria with her mother. Settling in the Ilupeju and Lekki areas of Lagos, Tems grew up in a household where music was a constant presence, though her path to stardom was not immediate. Her father is British-Nigerian, while her mother is a Nigerian of Yoruba descent.

School Years

During her primary and secondary education in Nigeria, Tems was often described as a shy and reserved child. It was during these formative years that her music teacher first noticed her unique vocal tone. She joined the school choir and began practicing the piano. While her peers were listening to mainstream pop, Tems found herself drawn to the soulful sounds of Lauryn Hill, Adele, and Amy Winehouse. These influences would later become the foundation of her distinctive “deep-alt” vocal style.

University & Training

Despite her passion for music, Tems followed a traditional academic path to satisfy her family’s expectations. She moved to South Africa to attend Monash South Africa, where she studied Economics. During her time at university, she remained connected to music, but it wasn’t until she graduated and returned to Nigeria that she faced a pivotal crossroads. After working a corporate job for a short period, she realized that a 9-to-5 lifestyle was not her calling. In 2018, she made the bold decision to quit her job and teach herself music production through YouTube tutorials, determined to create a sound that didn’t yet exist in the Nigerian mainstream.

Career Journey

2018–2019: The Birth of a Rebel

Tems’ entry into the music industry was marked by a DIY ethos. In 2018, she released her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” which she produced herself. The song became a cult hit within the Nigerian Alté scene—a subculture of artists who reject the standard “dance-heavy” Afrobeats formula in favor of more experimental, soulful sounds.

In 2019, she released “Try Me,” a powerful anthem of resilience. The track resonated deeply with Nigerian youth and became a massive radio hit, accumulating millions of streams without the backing of a major label. This success solidified her reputation as a formidable songwriter and producer.

2020–2021: Global Explosion and “Essence”

The year 2020 was a turning point for the Tems biography and her career milestones. She released her debut EP, For Broken Ears, which featured the standout track “Free Mind.” This EP showcased her ability to blend raw vulnerability with ethereal production.

However, her true global breakthrough came via a collaboration with Nigerian superstar Wizkid on the track “Essence.” Often dubbed the “Song of the Summer,” “Essence” became the first Nigerian song in history to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems’ soulful hook on the track earned her international acclaim, leading to a remix featuring Justin Bieber and a signing with RCA Records.

2022–2024: Record-Breaking Feats and “Born in the Wild”

By 2022, Tems was no longer just an African star; she was a global powerhouse. She collaborated with Future and Drake on “Wait for U,” which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first African female artist to achieve such a feat.

In late 2022, she contributed to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack with a haunting cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” and co-wrote “Lift Me Up” with Rihanna. The latter earned her an Academy Award (Oscar) nomination for Best Original Song.

In June 2024, after years of anticipation, Tems released her debut studio album, Born in the Wild. The album received widespread critical acclaim for its cohesion and vocal delivery, featuring collaborations with Asake and J. Cole. By 2025 and 2026, Tems had transitioned into a headline touring artist, filling arenas across Europe and North America.

Career Stats / Discography

YearTitleTypeTop Chart Position (Billboard 200/Hot 100)
2020For Broken EarsEP#15 (Heatseekers)
2021If Orange Was a PlaceEP#7 (World Albums)
2021“Essence” (with Wizkid)Single#9 (Hot 100)
2022“Wait for U” (Future ft. Tems & Drake)Single#1 (Hot 100)
2022“Lift Me Up” (Co-writer)Single#2 (Hot 100)
2024Born in the WildAlbum#56 (Billboard 200)
2025“Burning”Single#1 (Afrobeats Chart)

Net Worth & Earnings

As of 2026, Tems’ net worth is estimated to be between $8 million and $10 million. Her wealth is a result of a diversified income portfolio that spans music, production, and high-fashion endorsements.

  • Streaming & Royalties: With over 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify and billions of streams across platforms, her catalog generates significant passive income.
  • Touring: Her Born in the Wild World Tour (2024-2025) saw sold-out dates in major cities like London, New York, and Paris, commanding high performance fees.
  • Brand Endorsements: Tems is a favorite in the luxury fashion world. She has signed lucrative deals with Tommy Hilfiger, Reebok, Coca-Cola, and Ugg. Her appearance at the Met Gala and various Fashion Weeks has cemented her status as a style icon.
  • Songwriting & Production: As a credited songwriter for stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé (on the Renaissance album), she earns substantial publishing royalties.

Personal Life

Family Background

Tems maintains a very close relationship with her mother, whom she often credits as her primary support system. Her mother famously appeared in the voice-over interludes of the For Broken Ears EP. Tems has one brother, who remains mostly out of the public eye.

Relationships & Dating History

Tems is notoriously private about her romantic life. Despite frequent internet rumors linking her to various collaborators, she has never publicly confirmed a relationship. In interviews, she emphasizes her focus on her craft and her “Rebel Gang” (her fanbase) rather than publicizing her private affairs.

Hobbies, Interests & Lifestyle

When she is not in the studio, Tems enjoys:

  • Cooking: She often shares her love for Nigerian delicacies.
  • Visual Arts: She has an interest in graphic design and creative direction.
  • Spirituality: Her music often reflects her deep Christian faith and personal conversations with God.
  • Travel: She enjoys quiet retreats to nature-heavy destinations like the Maldives or the African countryside.

Awards & Achievements

Tems’ trophy cabinet is a testament to her rapid ascent in the music world.

  • Grammy Awards: Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Wait for U”) | 2023
  • BET Awards: Best International Act | 2022, 2023
  • BMI London Awards: Impact Award | 2022
  • Soul Train Music Awards: Best Collaboration (“Essence”) | 2021
  • Academy Awards (Oscars): Nominated for Best Original Song (“Lift Me Up”) | 2023
  • Golden Globe Awards: Nominated for Best Original Song (“Lift Me Up”) | 2023
  • Billboard Women in Music: Breakthrough Artist Award | 2024

Physical Statistics

Tems is celebrated for her natural beauty and confident presence, often embracing her African features through her fashion choices.

  • Height: 5’6” (168 cm)
  • Weight: 136 lbs (62 kg)
  • Body Type: Curvy/Pear-shaped
  • Distinguishing Features: Deep, resonant voice; often wears braids or natural hair; signature “cool girl” aesthetic involving oversized streetwear mixed with high-fashion silhouettes.

Quotes

“I don’t think I’m a star. I think I’m a person that has a light.” — Interview with GQ, 2022

“I wanted to make music that felt like a conversation with my soul.” — Born in the Wild Documentary, 2024

“The vibe is leading. I am just the vessel for the message.” — Rolling Stone, 2023

Favorites

  • Food: Egusi Soup and Pounded Yam
  • Color: Deep Orange and Earth Tones
  • Musical Influences: Lauryn Hill, Burna Boy, Sade Adu
  • Book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
  • Sport: Basketball (Fan of the NBA)

Interesting Facts

  • Self-Taught: Tems learned how to produce music on her own because she was dissatisfied with how male producers were handling her sound.
  • Early Struggles: She once revealed that she spent her last savings to record her first single after quitting her job.
  • Drake Fan: Before collaborating with him, she was a massive fan of Drake; he eventually reached out to her after hearing her EP.
  • Alté Pioneer: She is considered a “founding mother” of the modern Alté movement in Nigeria.
  • Vegetarian Periods: She occasionally shifts to a vegetarian diet to stay healthy during tours.
  • Strict Routine: She spends hours in solitude before a show to “align her energy.”
  • Vocal Range: She is a Contralto, known for her ability to hit incredibly rich low notes.
  • Beyoncé Connection: She co-wrote the song “Move” on Beyoncé’s Renaissance album.
  • Marvel History: She is one of the few African artists to lead a major Marvel cinematic soundtrack.

Did You Know?

  • Did you know Tems was once detained in Uganda in 2020 over a COVID-19 protocol misunderstanding after a concert? She was released shortly after.
  • Did you know Tems’ debut album Born in the Wild took over two years to finalize because she wanted to ensure every beat was perfect?
  • Did you know she is the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy Award?
  • Did you know she grew up in the UK until age 5 before moving back to Lagos?

Social Media

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How old is Tems?
As of 2026, Tems is 30 years 11 months old years old. She was born on June 11, 1995.

Q2: Is Tems married?
No, Tems is currently single and has never been married. She remains focused on her career and global tours.

Q3: What was Tems’ breakout song?
While “Mr Rebel” and “Try Me” gave her local fame in Nigeria, “Essence” (with Wizkid) was her breakout song that led to international stardom.

Q4: Does Tems produce her own music?
Yes, Tems is a skilled record producer. She produced her early hits like “Mr Rebel” and was heavily involved in the production of her EPs and debut album.

Q5: What is Tems’ net worth in 2026?
Tems’ net worth is estimated to be approximately $8 million to $10 million, fueled by her global tours, streaming numbers, and luxury brand deals.

CONCLUSION

The Tems biography is a story of unwavering authenticity. From her beginnings in Lagos as a “Rebel” to becoming a Grammy-winning force of nature, she has proven that African music is not a monolith. Her influence extends beyond charts; she has opened doors for a new generation of female African artists to succeed on their own terms. As she continues her Born in the Wild journey through 2026, Tems remains the “Leading Vibe” of a global musical revolution.

Sources: Billboard Archives, RCA Records Official Profile, Rolling Stone Artist Interviews, Grammy.com Official Database, Recording Academy Spotlight 2024.

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