A shining star of Nigeria’s alté scene, Tems has gained international attention for her thoughtful blend of Afrobeat and alternative R&B. A triple threat as a talented singer, songwriter and producer, she first earned international attention towards the end of the 2010s when she scored a massive hit with 2019 single ‘Try Me’. The track earned more than 12 million streaming plays and earned Tems star guest spots on high-profile tracks including Drake’s ‘Fountains’ and Wizkids ‘Essence’ also featuring Justin Bieber. Shortly after, Apple Music chose Tems as one of their Rising Artists in Africa.
Born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos to a British father and Nigerian mother, Tems spent time growing up in the UK before she moved back to her home country. She began to play piano and sang in a local choir before penning her own songs inspired by artists including Amy Winehouse, Lauryn Hill and classic Nigerian artists. Tems dropped her debut single ‘Mr Rebel’ in 2018 followed by ‘Looku Looku’ and ‘Try Me’ a year later, the latter of which became a runaway hit.
2020 proved a banner year for the rising star as she appeared on several high-profile collaborations and also released her highly-anticipated debut EP, Broken Ears. After scoring another hit with ‘Damages’ Tems followed up her success with her second EP in 2021, If Orange Was a Place. Tems has already become a sparkling jewel in Nigeria’s innovative alté scene and she’s only just getting started.
