50 Facts About Tems

Early Life and Background

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, has a fascinating background that shaped her into the artist she is today.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems spent her first three years in the United Kingdom before returning to Nigeria.
2. Family Background: Her parents, a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father, separated, but she remains close to her mother.
3. Musical Influences: Her love for music began with Celine Dion and expanded to artists like OutKast, Kate Nash, Green Day, and Lauryn Hill.
4. Early Interest in Music: At six, Tems started with poetry, adding song-like elements, which eventually led to her music career.
5. Educational Background: She pursued a degree in Economics from IIE MSA in Johannesburg, graduating before transitioning to music.
6. Digital Marketing Career: Before music, Tems worked in digital marketing but left to follow her true passion.

Rise to Fame

Tems' journey to stardom is marked by her self-taught skills and breakthrough moments.

7. Self-Production Skills: Unable to find a producer who understood her vision, Tems taught herself music production using YouTube tutorials.
8. Debut EP and Early Success: Her debut EP, "For Broken Ears," released in 2020, featured hits like "Damages" and "Free Mind," leading to global recognition.
9. Collaborations and Breakthrough: In 2022, she collaborated with Drake on "Wait for U," becoming the first African female artist to top the Hot 100 chart.
10. Marvel Soundtrack Contribution: Tems covered Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" for the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" soundtrack.
11. Rihanna Collaboration: She co-wrote Rihanna's "Lift Me Up" for the same soundtrack, earning a Golden Globe nomination.
12. Grammy Award Win: In 2023, Tems won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance with Future and Drake for "Wait for U."

Achievements and Recognition

Tems' talent has earned her numerous accolades and recognition.

13. Soundcity MVP Awards: She won the Female MVP award at the Soundcity MVP Awards in Lagos in February 2023.
14. Met Gala Invitation: In May 2023, Tems attended the Met Gala, solidifying her status as a global celebrity.
15. Time 100 Next List: She was listed on the 2023 Time 100 Next list, highlighting her influence in the music industry.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond her music, Tems has a rich personal life and diverse interests.

16. Legal Issues: In December 2020, Tems was arrested in Uganda for violating COVID-19 protocols but was released two days later.
17. Personal Growth: Despite challenges, including a stint in prison, Tems has gained a new perspective on life.
18. Favorite Place to Watch Sunset: Ghana is her favorite place to watch the sunset, inspiring the artwork for her EP "If Orange Was A Place."
19. Favorite Tea: Tems enjoys Orange and Spice tea, a blend of bright zest and warm cinnamon notes.
20. Anime Fandom: She loves anime, with "Attack on Titan," "Darker Than Black," and "Demon Slayer" among her favorites.

Musical Journey and Creative Process

Tems' creative process and musical journey are as unique as her sound.

21. Debut Album: Her debut studio album, "Born in the Wild," released in 2024, showcases her growth as an artist.
22. Leading Vibe Radio Show: In 2022, Tems launched "Leading Vibe Radio" on Apple Music to help creatives and African women find their voice.
23. Co-Hosts: The show is co-hosted by her manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, and her older brother, Adetunji "Tunji" Paul.
24. YouTube Hobbies: Tems enjoys watching business-focused YouTube channels like Steven Bartlett’s "The Diary Of A CEO" and Myron Golden.
25. First Single Challenge: Her first single, "Mr Rebel," faced a challenge when she couldn't afford to upload it, but her aunt helped cover the cost.
26. Mother's Influence: Her debut EP features her mother's voice on "Témìládè Interlude," telling a story of maternal instinct.
27. Creative Process: Tems found escape in the music room, experimenting with freestyle forms, a practice she continues today.
28. Mini-Concerts: Growing up, she played mini-concerts in her brother's room, immersing herself in various musical styles.
29. Choir Experience: At 17, Tems joined the choir and learned to play the piano, writing her first official song inspired by Sunday mornings.
30. Poetic Beginnings: Her interest in poetry at six laid the groundwork for her future musical endeavors.

Challenges and Triumphs

Tems faced numerous challenges but turned them into triumphs.

31. Artistic Differences: Initially, she struggled with artistic differences with producers and monetary issues, leading her to self-produce.
32. Favorite Anime Shows: Her favorite anime shows include "Attack on Titan," "Darker Than Black," and "Demon Slayer."
33. Sunset Inspiration: The artwork for "If Orange Was A Place" reflects her connection to nature and sunsets.
34. Grammy Nomination: Tems was nominated for Best Original Song — Motion Picture at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards.
35. Fashion Icon: Her Met Gala invitation in May 2023 solidified her status as a fashion icon.
36. Time 100 Next List: She was listed on the 2023 Time 100 Next list, recognizing her influence in the music industry.

Collaborations and Influence

Tems' collaborations have significantly boosted her career and influence.

37. Collaborations with Rihanna and Beyoncé: She worked with Rihanna on "Lift Me Up" and Beyoncé on "Move" from Beyoncé's album "Renaissance."
38. Featured on Drake's Album: Tems was featured on Drake's "Certified Lover Boy," further boosting her global recognition.
39. Afrobeats Influence: Her music blends Afrobeats with R&B, showcasing her unique cultural influence.
40. Critical Acclaim: Her music is praised for its emotional depth and lyrical complexity, reflecting her personal journey.

Philosophy and Impact

Tems' philosophy and impact extend beyond music.

41. Personal Philosophy: She believes in staying true to oneself, evident in her decision to remain authentic despite challenges.
42. Inspiration from Kendrick Lamar: Tems admires Kendrick Lamar for his ability to project duality and maintain a conscience in his music.
43. Impact on Nigerian Music Industry: She has significantly impacted the Nigerian music industry, inspiring a new generation of musicians.
44. Cultural Representation: As a Nigerian artist, Tems represents her culture and heritage, contributing to the global appreciation of African music.
45. Educational Empathy: Despite her educational background, she empathizes with those who choose not to pursue higher education, especially creatives.

Future Prospects

Tems continues to push boundaries and inspire fans worldwide.

46. Digital Marketing Experience: Her digital marketing background gives her a unique perspective on marketing and branding.
47. YouTube Addiction: Tems often watches business-focused YouTube channels and interviews, reflecting her curiosity and love for learning.
48. Radio Show Host: Besides being a musician, she hosts "Leading Vibe Radio," aimed at helping creatives and African women find their voice.
49. Collaborations and Awards: Her collaborations with international artists have earned her numerous awards and nominations.
50. Future Projects: With her debut album "Born in the Wild" released in 2024, Tems continues to inspire fans with her unique blend of R&B and Afrobeats.

Tems: A Rising Star with Global Impact

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, has quickly become a global sensation. Her soulful voice and genre-blending style have captivated audiences worldwide. From her early days in Lagos to her Grammy win, Tems' journey is nothing short of inspiring. She’s collaborated with big names like Drake, Rihanna, and Future, making history as the first African female artist to top the Hot 100 chart. Her contributions to the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" soundtrack and her debut album "Born in the Wild" showcase her versatility and talent. Tems' influence extends beyond music; she’s a fashion icon, a radio show host, and an inspiration for many. Her story is a testament to hard work, authenticity, and staying true to oneself. As Tems continues to rise, her impact on the music industry and beyond will undoubtedly grow, inspiring future generations.