Tems: The Voice Defining Afrobeats' New Soul

Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who has become a pivotal force in the global rise of Afrobeats. Her distinctive contralto vocals and genre-blending sound have led to major international chart success, including a historic US Billboard Hot 100 number-one in 2022.

Early career

Born Temilade Openiyi in 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria, she began writing songs as a teenager. After studying audio engineering, she self-released her debut single, "Mr Rebel," in 2018, which garnered local attention and led to her signing with Leading Vibe Ltd.

Breakthrough

Tems' breakthrough arrived in 2020 with the self-produced single "Damages." Its success was swiftly eclipsed by her iconic feature on Wizkid's global smash "Essence," which peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. This established her as a star beyond Nigeria.

Key tracks

Essence — This Grammy-nominated collaboration with Wizkid became a global summer anthem and a historic chart entry for Afrobeats.

Free Mind — A deeply personal fan-favorite from her 2020 "For Broken Ears" EP, showcasing her introspective songwriting and vocal power.

Higher — Her contribution to the "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" soundtrack earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song in 2023.

Crazy Tings — A 2021 single that further demonstrated her ability to craft catchy, yet soulful, Afrobeats-inflected pop.

Her debut EP, "For Broken Ears" (2020), and the follow-up "If Orange Was a Place" (2021) solidified her artistic vision. Major collaborations followed, including work with Drake on "Fountains," and Beyoncé on "Move" from the "Renaissance" album. In 2024, Tems released her highly anticipated debut studio album, "Born in the Wild," to critical acclaim.

Fans of Tems' soulful and atmospheric take on Afrobeats also enjoy the music of Omah Lay, who shares a talent for moody, introspective melodies. Ayra Starr offers a similarly powerful vocal presence and genre-blending confidence. The innovative production and vocal style of Bloody Civilian resonates with Tems' unique approach. For another leading voice in contemporary African music, explore Fireboy DML and his smooth blend of Afrobeats and R&B.

Tems' music is a staple on modern Afrobeats and global pop radio stations featured on this website. Her hits receive heavy rotation on channels dedicated to African pop, international hits, and contemporary R&B sounds, connecting her with a worldwide audience daily.

You can hear the powerful music of Tems on the Afrobeats and international pop radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to discover her key tracks and latest releases as part of our curated music rotation.