Tems Biography: Early Life, Age, Networth, Boyfriend, Real Name, Hit Song, Parents.

Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has risen to global prominence through her soulful voice and unique blend of Afrobeats, Alté, and R&B.

Profile Overview

Full Name:	Temilade Openiyi
Stage Name:	Tems
Born:	June 11, 1995
Age:	30 years old
Birthplace:	Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality:	Nigerian-British
Occupation:	Singer, songwriter, record producer
Height:	5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
Parent:	Father (British-Nigerian), Mother (Nigerian)
Siblings:	One
Spouse:	None
Children:	None
Relationship:	Single
Net Worth:	$1 million and $3 million

Early Life and Education

Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, to a British-Nigerian father and a Nigerian mother. Her family briefly relocated to the United Kingdom when she was an infant but returned to Nigeria after her parents’ divorce when she was five. Raised primarily by her mother in Lagos, Tems lived in Ilupeju, Lekki, and later Ajah, areas that shaped her cultural and musical influences. She grew up in a Christian household, exposed to gospel music, which sparked her early interest in music, alongside influences from Celine Dion, Aaliyah, and Destiny’s Child.

Tems attended Dowen College in Lekki for her secondary education, where her music teacher recognized her vocal talent and encouraged her to join the school choir. She also learned to play the piano and guitar, often practicing with her brother, who played guitar. After secondary school, she pursued higher education at Monash South Africa in Johannesburg, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. Despite her academic path, Tems knew by age 15 that music was her calling, a decision solidified after struggling to fit into corporate life post-graduation.

Tems Career

Tems began her music career in earnest in 2018 after quitting her digital marketing job to focus on her passion. Her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” self-produced and released in 2018, gained local traction for its raw emotion and alternative R&B sound. In 2019, she released “Try Me,” further establishing her unique voice. Her breakthrough came in 2020 with her debut EP, For Broken Ears, featuring the hit “Free Mind,” which peaked at number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100 and set a record for the longest-charting number one song by a female artist on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.

Her global rise accelerated with her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” (2020), which reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a remix with Justin Bieber, earning her a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance. That same year, she collaborated with Drake on “Fountains” from Certified Lover Boy and with Davido on a remix of Khalid’s “Know Your Worth.” In 2021, she signed with RCA Records and released her second EP, If Orange Was a Place, featuring “Crazy Tings.” In 2022, her vocals from “Higher” were sampled in Future’s “Wait for U” (featuring Drake), debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first African artist to achieve this milestone.

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Tems contributed to the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack with a cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” and co-wrote Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” earning nominations for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. Her debut album, Born in the Wild (2024), was a critical and commercial success, peaking at number 56 in the U.S. and number 24 in the UK, supported by singles like “Love Me JeJe” and a world tour. Tems’ music, blending Afrobeats with soulful storytelling, has positioned her among Nigeria’s top female artists, alongside Tiwa Savage and Yemi Alade.

Who is Tems’ Father?

Tems’ father is a British-Nigerian whose name has not been publicly disclosed. After her parents’ divorce when she was five, Tems was raised primarily by her Nigerian mother in Lagos, and her father remained in the UK. Little is known about him beyond his heritage, as Tems maintains privacy regarding her family.

Who is Tems Boyfriend?

Tems is not married and has no boyfriend as of 2025. She has kept her romantic life private, with no confirmed relationships. Rumors linking her to Wizkid have been debunked, and a claim by an alleged ex-boyfriend, Dubby, was dismissed by Tems, who denied knowing him. She remains focused on her music career.

What Are the Names of Tems’ Siblings?

Tems has one brother, whose name is not publicly disclosed. He is a guitarist, and they collaborated on music during their childhood, with Tems using his guitar for practice. She maintains a close relationship with him, though she keeps details private to protect her family’s privacy.

Awards and Nominations

• Grammy Awards (2023): Won Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U” (with Future and Drake).
• Grammy Awards (2025): Won Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe”; nominated for Best Global Music Album (Born in the Wild) and Best R&B Song (“Burning”).
• Billboard Women in Music Award (2024): Breakthrough Artist, the first African recipient.
• NAACP Image Awards: Four wins, including Outstanding International Song for “Essence.”
• BET Awards: Four wins, including Best International Act (first African female to win).
• Soul Train Music Awards: Three wins, including awards for “Essence.”
• The Headies (2019): Nominated for Best Vocal Performance (Female) and Best Alternative Song for “Mr Rebel.”
• Net Honour Awards (2021): Won Most Alternative Song for “Damages.”
• African American Entertainment Awards (2021): Won Best Female Artist, Best Collaboration, Best Video, and Song of the Year for “Essence.”
• Academy Award Nomination (2023): Best Original Song for “Lift Me Up.”
• Golden Globe Nomination (2023): Best Original Song for “Lift Me Up.”
• The Future Awards Africa (2020): Class of 2020 honoree.

Social Media

Instagram Handle: @temsbaby

Facebook Handle: @temsbaby

Twitter Handle: @temsbaby

YouTube Channel: Tems

TikTok Handle: @temsbaby

Personal Life

Tems is known for her private nature, focusing on music over public exposure. She maintains a close bond with her mother and brother, often visiting her mother’s home in Lagos when not working. Raised in a Christian household, her faith influences her music’s emotional depth. In 2020, Tems and Omah Lay were arrested in Uganda for performing at an event that violated COVID-19 restrictions, but they were released after two days with charges dropped. She owns a Range Rover, reflecting her success, but does not publicly discuss owning property. Tems’ commitment to authenticity and empowering other women in music, inspired by her own struggles, defines her personal mission. She has spoken about overcoming bullying for her deep voice and using music as a safe haven.

Discography:

• EPs: For Broken Ears (2020), If Orange Was a Place (2021)
• Album: Born in the Wild (2024)
• Notable Singles: “Mr Rebel” (2018), “Try Me” (2019), “Free Mind” (2020), “Crazy Tings” (2021), “Love Me JeJe” (2024), “Burning” (2024)
  
• Key Collaborations: “Essence” (with Wizkid, 2020), “Fountains” (with Drake, 2021), “Wait for U” (with Future and Drake, 2022), “No Woman, No Cry” (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, 2022), “Lift Me Up” (co-writer for Rihanna, 2022)

Tems Net Worth

Tems’ net worth in 2025 is estimated between $1 million and $3 million, derived from music sales, streaming royalties (over 30 million streams), live performances, and brand endorsements with Tommy Hilfiger and Reebok. Her income surged after global hits like “Essence” and her Born in the Wild tour.

Conclusion

Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, has transformed from a choir singer in Lagos to a Grammy-winning global star, redefining Afrobeats with her soulful, introspective sound. Her journey, marked by resilience after personal and professional challenges, showcases her talent and dedication. From her breakthrough with “Essence” to her critically acclaimed debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has earned accolades, including two Grammys, and inspired a new generation of artists. Single, private, and driven by a mission to empower women in music, she continues to break barriers. With a net worth of $1–3 million and a growing influence, Tems is a trailblazer whose authentic voice resonates worldwide.