Tems Biography, Net Worth And Career: From Lagos To Global Stardom

If you’ve been vibing to Afrobeats and soulful Naija sounds over the last few years, then Tems needs no introduction. Born Temilade Openiyi, this Lagos-born singer and songwriter has taken her voice from the streets of Nigeria to some of the biggest stages in the world. From the raw breakout hit Try Me to winning Grammys and writing songs for Rihanna, Tems has proven that Nigerian talent knows no boundaries.

But who really is Tems? How did she start her journey? What’s her net worth now? And why does she matter so much to Nigerian audiences? Let’s gist about her full biography, career, and money moves.

Early Life and Education

Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. Her father is British-Nigerian, while her mother is Nigerian. Shortly after her birth, her family moved to the UK, but following her parents’ separation, Tems returned to Nigeria with her mother.

Growing up in Lagos, Tems lived in Ilupeju before moving to Lekki and later Ajah. Like many of us, she faced the usual hustle of balancing academics with dreams. She attended Dowen College and later studied Economics at Monash University in South Africa.

From a young age, she was surrounded by music. Tems joined the school choir, learned the piano, and taught herself guitar by watching YouTube tutorials. Inspired by artists like Beyoncé, Asa, and Lauryn Hill, she started experimenting with her sound, blending Afrobeat with alternative soul.

Naija flair: Just imagine a regular Lagos girl humming Asa’s Jailer in her room, not knowing that one day her own songs would reach Billboard charts.

Career

The Early Spark

Tems didn’t start big. In fact, she once worked in a digital marketing office before deciding to follow her passion. In 2018, she released her debut single “Mr Rebel” a soulful, self-produced track that introduced us to her haunting voice. While it wasn’t a mainstream hit, it put her on the radar.

Her real breakout came in 2019 with the hit “Try Me”. The song became an anthem for resilience and self-belief, gaining her a loyal fanbase, especially among Nigerian youths looking for something fresh and different from the usual Afropop sound.

The Rise with EPs

In September 2020, Tems dropped her debut EP, “For Broken Ears.” Songs like Damages showcased her storytelling ability and cemented her status as one of Nigeria’s rising stars.

She followed this up with her second EP, “If Orange Was a Place” (2021), which included the single Crazy Tings. This project showed more maturity and versatility, proving Tems wasn’t just a one-hit wonder but an artist with depth.

The Global Explosion

Tems’s life changed forever when she collaborated with Wizkid on “Essence” (2020). The track became a global sensation, making it to the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10—a first for a Nigerian song at the time. Even Justin Bieber jumped on the remix!

Then came more big moves:

•Featured on Drake’s “Fountains” (2021).

Featured on Future’s “Wait for U” (2022) with Drake, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100. This earned her a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Contributed vocals to “No Woman, No Cry” for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

Co-wrote “Lift Me Up” for Rihanna earning nominations at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Grammys.

In 2024, Tems released her long-awaited debut album “Born in the Wild.” The project included hits like Me & U and Love Me JeJe (a beautiful nod to Sir Shina Peters’s classic). The album charted worldwide, earning her another Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album, while Love Me JeJe won Best African Music Performance.

To crown it all, Tems embarked on the Born in the Wild World Tour, performing across Africa, Europe, America, and Asia proving that Naija music truly belongs everywhere.

Awards and Achievements

Tems has collected awards like Naija aunties collect aso-ebi:

•Grammy Awards (2x)

•Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Award (first African woman to win it)

•BET Awards, NAACP Awards, Soul Train Awards

•Multiple nominations at the Oscars, Golden Globes, and Critics’ Choice Awards

So far, she has over 40 wins and more than 100 nominations. Not bad for a girl who started with a home mic and laptop in Lagos.

Tems Net Worth

Now, let’s talk money because success no dey complete without the cash flow.

As of 2024, Tems’s net worth is estimated at around $2 million (over ₦2 billion). This comes from:

Music sales and streaming royalties

•Songwriting and publishing credits (Lift Me Up, Wait for U)

•Touring and concert performances

•Brand endorsements and collaborations

Some sources even suggest she makes between $4–5 million annually when you factor in tours, streaming, and features.

Naija gist: No be small thing o, from Ilupeju to millions in the bank. Tems is living proof that following your dream pays.

Why Tems Matters to Nigerians

Tems isn’t just another artist; she represents a cultural shift.

Breaking Barriers: She’s one of the first Nigerian women to dominate global charts.

Redefining Afrobeats: While Wizkid, Burna, and Davido made Afrobeats mainstream, Tems brought an alternative soulful vibe that widened the genre.

Inspiring Women: In a male-dominated industry, Tems shows young Nigerian ladies that global success is possible.

Cultural Pride: From Essence to Love Me JeJe, she keeps Nigerian heritage alive in her music.

What is Tems’s real name?

Her real name is Temilade Openiyi.

How old is Tems?

She was born on June 11, 1995—she’s 30 years old in 2025.

What is Tems’s net worth?

Her net worth is estimated at $2 million as of 2024.

What are her biggest songs?

Try Me, Damages, Essence (with Wizkid), Wait for U (with Future & Drake), Me & U, Love Me JeJe.

Has Tems won a Grammy?

Yes, she has two Grammys, including one for Wait for U and one for Love Me JeJe.

What type of music does Tems make?

A blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative soul with a unique minimalist production style.

Conclusion

Tems’s story is a powerful reminder of what Nigerian talent can achieve on the world stage. From recording songs in her Lagos bedroom to writing for Rihanna and winning Grammys, she has redefined what it means to be an African artist.

For Nigerians, Tems isn’t just a superstar,she’s a symbol of resilience, authenticity, and cultural pride. Her biography, net worth, and career prove that dreams don’t have boundaries when backed with passion and hard work.

So next time you hear Tems’s voice floating through your speakers, remember: this is not just music, it’s Nigeria echoing across the world.