Tems

Tems was born on 11 June 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. Her first name Temilade means "the crown is mine" in Yoruba, She is of Yoruba ethnicity.{{Cite web |date=7 June 2024 |title=Tems Was Made For This Moment |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/tems-born-in-the-wild-album-interview-2024 |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=W Magazine |language=en}}{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=4 March 2024 |title=Tems Stopped 'Worrying About What People Think' — And Became One of Africa's Biggest Stars |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/tems-women-in-music-breakthrough-chart-hits-debut-album-1235619689/ |access-date=8 June 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=19 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519160503/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/tems-women-in-music-breakthrough-chart-hits-debut-album-1235619689/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Tems: 5 Things To Know About Afrobeats' Latest Superstar |url=https://www.bet.com/article/7xnoch/tems-5-things-to-know-about-afrobeats-newest-superstar |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=BET |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Olatunji |first=Mercy |date=18 February 2021 |title=Full biography of Nigerian singer Tems and other facts about her |url=https://dnbstories.com/2021/02/full-biography-of-nigerian-singer-tems.html |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=DNB Stories Africa |language=en-US |archive-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025190501/https://dnbstories.com/2021/02/full-biography-of-nigerian-singer-tems.html |url-status=live }} Her family relocated to the United Kingdom when she was an infant, then returned to Nigeria following her parents' separation, when she was five years old.{{Cite web |last=Olatunji |first=Mercy |date=28 February 2021 |title=Full biography of Nigerian singer Tems and other facts about her |url=https://dnbstories.com/2021/02/full-biography-of-nigerian-singer-tems.html |access-date=4 August 2021 |website=DNB Stories Africa |language=en-US |archive-date=25 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211025190501/https://dnbstories.com/2021/02/full-biography-of-nigerian-singer-tems.html |url-status=live }} Tems resided in Ilupeju before moving to Lekki and later Ajah.{{Cite web|title=The sweet, arresting harmonies of Nigeria's Tems|url=https://www.thefader.com/2020/03/09/tems-mr-rebel-try-me-interview|access-date=15 June 2020|website=The Fader|archive-date=15 June 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200615040211/https://www.thefader.com/2020/03/09/tems-mr-rebel-try-me-interview|url-status=live}} She attended Dowen College for her secondary education and Monash South Africa for her tertiary education, where she obtained a degree in economics.{{Cite web |title=Tems interview: Nigerian music's biggest new star |url=https://theface.com/music/tems-interview-new-album-music-essence-afrobeats-wizkid-lagos-nigeria-amapiano-alte-drake-president-obama-vol-4-issue-11 |access-date=27 May 2022 |website=The Face |date=24 May 2022 |language=en-gb |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527060933/https://theface.com/music/tems-interview-new-album-music-essence-afrobeats-wizkid-lagos-nigeria-amapiano-alte-drake-president-obama-vol-4-issue-11 |url-status=live }}

In high school, she was frequently bullied because of her voice. At 11 years old, she joined her school choir and soon began singing in falsetto but was noticed by her music teacher who coached her and taught her how to play the piano.{{Cite web |last=Garel |first=Connor |date=2024-06-07 |title=No One Sounds Like Tems |url=https://www.thecut.com/article/who-is-tems-cut-cover-interview-music.html |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=The Cut |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2022-05-24 |title=Tems interview: Nigerian music’s biggest new star |url=https://theface.com/music/tems-interview-new-album-music-essence-afrobeats-wizkid-lagos-nigeria-amapiano-alte-drake-president-obama-vol-4-issue-11 |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=The Face |language=en-gb |archive-date=27 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220527060933/https://theface.com/music/tems-interview-new-album-music-essence-afrobeats-wizkid-lagos-nigeria-amapiano-alte-drake-president-obama-vol-4-issue-11 |url-status=live }} Tems often practiced singing with her brother, who often accompanied her on guitar.{{Cite web|title=Native Exclusive: How Tems Triumphs after "Mr Rebel"|url=https://thenativemag.com/profile/native-exclusivetems/|date=23 October 2018|website=The Native|access-date=5 May 2020|archive-date=14 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200814195510/https://thenativemag.com/profile/native-exclusivetems/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |title=Tems {{!}} Music Artist, Actress, Composer |url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12478182/ |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=IMDb |language=en-US |archive-date=16 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316004355/https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12478182/ |url-status=live }}

In 2018, Tems quit her job in digital marketing to pursue a career in music. She began to learn self production skills on YouTube and on July 18th, 2018, she released her debut single, "Mr Rebel", a song which she produced by herself. On 7 August 2019, she released the single "Try Me".{{Cite web|date=6 February 2020|title=Interview: Tems Is On a Mission to Take Over|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/tems-try-me-nigerian-music-interview/|access-date=25 December 2020|website=OkayAfrica}} In 2020, DJ Edu chose her as one of "ten artists to watch" that year.{{Cite web|title=Rema|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/african-music-artists-to-watch-2020-dj-edu-bbc-radio/?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1?rebelltitem=1|date=6 February 2020|website=OkayAfrica|access-date=4 May 2020|archive-date=1 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001230552/https://www.okayafrica.com/african-music-artists-to-watch-2020-dj-edu-bbc-radio/?rebelltitem=1#rebelltitem1?rebelltitem=1|url-status=live}} On 23 April 2020, Tems was featured alongside fellow Nigerian singer Davido on a reworked version of American singer-songwriter Khalid and English electronic music duo Disclosure's single, "Know Your Worth".{{Cite web|title=Khalid Recruits Davido and Tems on New Single 'Know Your Worth (Remix)'|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/listen-to-khalid-davido-tems-new-music/|date=23 April 2020|website=OkayAfrica|access-date=4 May 2020|archive-date=4 May 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200504110427/https://www.okayafrica.com/listen-to-khalid-davido-tems-new-music/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Garel |first=Connor |date=15 January 2024 |title=No One Sounds Like Tems |url=https://www.thecut.com/article/who-is-tems-cut-cover-interview-music.html |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=The Cut |language=en |archive-date=18 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118215526/https://www.thecut.com/article/who-is-tems-cut-cover-interview-music.html |url-status=live }}

On 25 September 2020, Tems released her debut extended play, For Broken Ears. It was produced primarily by her and the single "Damages" from the EP became another follow up hit to "Try Me", peaking at number one on the Nigerian Apple Music chart and number six on the then-newly launched TurnTable Top 50 chart and garnering five million views on YouTube. On 30 October 2020, Tems was featured on fellow Nigerian singer Wizkid's single, "Essence", from the latter's fourth studio album, Made in Lagos. The song earned her a number one spot on BBC 1Xtra Airplay Chart.{{Cite web|title=BBC 1Xtra Airplay Chart|url=http://ukairplaychart.com/1239/BBC_1Xtra/|access-date=30 January 2021|website=ukairplaychart.com|archive-date=20 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210120125450/http://ukairplaychart.com/1239/BBC_1Xtra/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|title=The Essence of Wizkid and Tems|url=https://mp3chord.com/entertainment/the-essence-of-wizkid-and-tems/|access-date=10 April 2021|website=Mp3chord.com|archive-date=10 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410064132/https://mp3chord.com/entertainment/the-essence-of-wizkid-and-tems/|url-status=dead}} and also earned her first career entry on Billboard Hot 100 at number 9.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9601362/wizkid-essence-enters-hot-100|title=Wizkid's Essence Enters Hot 100 Shoutout to Good Music Lovers Everywhere|magazine=Billboard|date=15 July 2021|access-date=4 August 2021|archive-date=15 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211015110553/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/9601362/wizkid-essence-enters-hot-100|url-status=live}} Tems won a Soul Train Music Awards,{{Cite magazine|title=H.E.R. Is Top Nominee at 2021 Soul Train Awards; Maxwell & Ashanti to Receive Special Awards: Exclusive|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9654359/her-2021-soul-train-awards-nominees|access-date=2 November 2021|magazine=Billboard|archive-date=12 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112030445/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9654359/her-2021-soul-train-awards-nominees|url-status=live}} two NAACP Image Awards,{{Cite web|last=Spivey|first=Kemberlie|date=19 January 2022|title=2022 NAACP Image Awards Nominations: The Full List|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/kemberliespivey/2022/01/18/2022-naacp-image-awards-nominations-the-full-list/|access-date=20 January 2022|website=Forbes|language=en|archive-date=19 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220119025807/https://www.forbes.com/sites/kemberliespivey/2022/01/18/2022-naacp-image-awards-nominations-the-full-list/|url-status=live}} and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Global Music Performance.{{Cite news|title=Wizkid, Burnaboy, oda Nigerian artists wey dey 2022 Grammy nomination|work=BBC News Pidgin|url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/media-59394925|access-date=23 November 2021|archive-date=1 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201031144/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/media-59394925|url-status=live}} On 8 November 2020, Tems was included in The Future Awards Africa: Class of 2020.{{cite web |title=The Future Awards Africa: Class of 2020 |url=https://awards.yafri.ca/the-future-awards-africa-class-of-2020/ |website=The Future Awards Africa |access-date=16 June 2021 |date=8 November 2020 |archive-date=24 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024171531/https://awards.yafri.ca/the-future-awards-africa-class-of-2020/ |url-status=dead }}

On 13 August 2021, a reworked version of "Essence", which contains an additional feature from Canadian singer Justin Bieber, was released, which propelled the song to reach number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. On 3 September 2021, Tems was featured on Canadian rapper and singer Drake's song, "Fountains", from the latter's sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy, which debuted at number 26 on the Hot 100.{{Cite web|last=Espinoza|first=Joshua|date=2 September 2021|title=Drake Reveals 'Certified Lover Boy' Album Features on Billboards|url=https://www.complex.com/music/drake-teases-certified-lover-boy-album-features-on-billboards/|access-date=2 September 2021|website=Complex|language=en|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902030241/https://www.complex.com/music/drake-teases-certified-lover-boy-album-features-on-billboards/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=2 September 2021|title=Tems to feature on Drake's CLB album|url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tems-to-feature-on-drakes-clb-album/5zq68ry|access-date=16 September 2021|website=Pulse Nigeria|language=en|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902203510/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/tems-to-feature-on-drakes-clb-album/5zq68ry|url-status=live}} On 15 September 2021, Tems released her second extended play, If Orange Was a Place, after being signed to RCA records.{{cite web | url=https://newswirengr.com/2022/06/27/singer-tems-biography-age-parents-boyfriend-net-worth-and-source-of-wealth/ | title=Singer, Tems: Biography, Age, Parents, Boyfriend, Net Worth and Source of Wealth | date=27 June 2022 | access-date=4 October 2022 | archive-date=4 October 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221004155343/https://newswirengr.com/2022/06/27/singer-tems-biography-age-parents-boyfriend-net-worth-and-source-of-wealth/ | url-status=live }} It was primarily produced by GuiltyBeatz, and the single "Crazy Tings" was released five days before and peaked at number three on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.{{Cite web|title=Tems shares new EP If Orange Was A Place|url=https://www.thefader.com/2021/09/16/tems-new-ep-if-orange-was-a-place|access-date=5 October 2021|website=The FADER|language=en|archive-date=5 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005163309/https://www.thefader.com/2021/09/16/tems-new-ep-if-orange-was-a-place|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|date=27 September 2021|title=Tems' 'Found' with Brent Faiyaz Hits New Peak on the UK Afrobeats Chart|url=https://notjustok.com/news/tems-found-with-brent-faiyaz-hits-new-peak-on-the-uk-afrobeats-chart/|access-date=5 October 2021|website=NotjustOk|archive-date=5 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005163308/https://notjustok.com/news/tems-found-with-brent-faiyaz-hits-new-peak-on-the-uk-afrobeats-chart/|url-status=live}} Later, Tems reached number one on the Billboard Next Big Sound chart{{Cite web |date=19 May 2021 |title=Tems Claims Number One Spot on Billboard Next Big Sound Chart |url=https://www.arise.tv/tems-claims-number-one-spot-on-billboard-next-big-sound-chart/ |access-date=2 October 2021 |website=Arise News |language=en-US |archive-date=2 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211002072953/https://www.arise.tv/tems-claims-number-one-spot-on-billboard-next-big-sound-chart/ |url-status=live }} and the Billboard Emerging Artists chart.{{cite magazine |last1=Zellner |first1=Xander |date=8 June 2022 |title=Tems Tops Emerging Artists Chart for First Time, Chase McDaniel & Dehd Debut in Top 10 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/tems-emerging-artists-chart-chase-mcdaniel-dehd-top-10-1235084045/ |access-date=23 June 2022 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=23 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623182232/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/tems-emerging-artists-chart-chase-mcdaniel-dehd-top-10-1235084045/ |url-status=live }}

On 31 March 2022, Apple Music 1 Launched Leading Vibe Radio Show With Tems.{{cite magazine |last1=Rys |first1=Dan |title=Apple Music 1 Launches New 'Leading Vibe Radio' Show With Tems |url=https://www.billboard.com/business/streaming/apple-music-tems-leading-vibe-radio-show-1235052694/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=24 June 2022 |date=31 March 2022 |archive-date=24 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624211658/https://www.billboard.com/business/streaming/apple-music-tems-leading-vibe-radio-show-1235052694/ |url-status=live }} On 2 April, its first episode features an appearance from Muyiwa Awoniyi, and Tunji Balogun.{{cite web |last1=Courage |first1=Onyema |title=Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun joins Leading Vibe Radio with Tems |url=https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/def-jam-ceo-tunji-balogun-joins-leading-vibe-radio-with-tems/2zsms12 |website=Pulse Nigeria |access-date=24 June 2022 |language=en |date=2 May 2022 |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705192454/https://www.pulse.ng/entertainment/music/def-jam-ceo-tunji-balogun-joins-leading-vibe-radio-with-tems/2zsms12 |url-status=live }} On 29 April 2022, Tems was featured alongside Drake on American rapper Future's single, "Wait for U", from the latter's ninth studio album, I Never Liked You. The song debuted atop the Hot 100, making Tems the first African female artist to top the chart and more so debut atop the chart.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/future-drake-tems-wait-for-u-hot-100-chart-debut-1235068559/|title=Future, Drake & Tems' 'Wait For U' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 which won a Grammy in 2023|last=Trust|first=Gary|magazine=Billboard|date=9 May 2022|access-date=9 May 2022|archive-date=9 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509192223/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/future-drake-tems-wait-for-u-hot-100-chart-debut-1235068559/|url-status=live}} The song samples the song "Higher" from For Broken Ears.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/future-i-never-liked-you-1343703/|title=Future is a Platinum-Encrusted Antihero on 'I Never Liked You'|magazine=Rolling Stone|last=Reeves|first=Mosi|date=29 April 2022|access-date=3 May 2022|archive-date=29 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429151359/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-album-reviews/future-i-never-liked-you-1343703/|url-status=live}}

In July 2022, Tems covered Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" for the Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack which she was credited alongside Rihanna. On 26 July, Tems gained her fourth Hot 100 with her song "Free Mind" from For Broken Ears which debuted on the chart peaking at number 44 and number 1 on the U.S. Afrobeats song chart. It earned her her first platinum and silver solo certification in the United States and United Kingdom.{{cite certification|region=United States|artist=Tems|access-date=4 October 2023}}{{cite certification|region=United Kingdom|artist=Tems|access-date=21 October 2023}}{{cite tweet|user=billboardcharts|number=1551658192156987393|title=@temsbaby's "Free Mind" debuts at No. 90 on this week's #Hot100.|date=25 July 2022|access-date=26 July 2022}} In July 2022, Tems was announced as a guest artist on Beyoncé's album Renaissance,{{Cite web |title=Beyoncé Announces Release Date for New 16-Song Project 'Renaissance' |url=https://www.complex.com/music/beyonce-renaissance-release-date |access-date=27 July 2022 |website=Complex |language=en |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616064927/https://www.complex.com/music/beyonce-renaissance-release-date |url-status=live }} collaborating on the song "Move" with Grace Jones, becoming her fifth entry on the Hot 100.{{Cite magazine |last=Zellner |first=Xander |date=8 August 2022 |title=Beyoncé Sends All 16 Songs From 'Renaissance' Onto Billboard Hot 100 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/beyonce-renaissance-16-songs-on-hot-100-1235123875/ |access-date=21 October 2022 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013030031/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/beyonce-renaissance-16-songs-on-hot-100-1235123875/ |url-status=live }} In October 2022, she co-wrote Rihanna's song "Lift Me Up" for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Thania |date=26 October 2022 |title=Rihanna Returns to Music With 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Original Song |url=https://variety.com/2022/music/news/rihanna-song-black-panther-wakanda-forever-1235412876/ |access-date=26 October 2022 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=27 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027212239/https://variety.com/2022/music/news/rihanna-song-black-panther-wakanda-forever-1235412876/ |url-status=live }}

In November 2022, Tems won the Best New Artist at the 2022 Soul Train Music Awards.{{Cite web |last=BellaNaija.com |date=2022-11-28 |title=Tems Wins Best New Artist at 2022 Soul Train Awards |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2022/11/tems-wins-soul-train-awards/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=BellaNaija |language=en-US |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203070815/https://www.bellanaija.com/2022/11/tems-wins-soul-train-awards/ |url-status=live }} In the same year, Tems was announced as the top Afrobeats artist on Billboard Year-End U.S. Afrobeats Songs of 2022.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Trevor |date=2022-12-01 |title=Tems & ‘Essence’ Top First-Ever Afrobeats Year-End Rankings: The Year in Charts |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/tems-essence-top-afrobeats-charts-2022-year-end/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219131831/https://www.billboard.com/pro/tems-essence-top-afrobeats-charts-2022-year-end/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Preezy |date=2022-12-01 |title=Tems And Wizkid Top Billboard’s Year-End Afrobeats Charts For 2022 |url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/tems-wizkid-billboard-afrobeats-charts-2022-1234715938/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=VIBE.com |language=en-US |archive-date=19 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241219175122/https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/tems-wizkid-billboard-afrobeats-charts-2022-1234715938/ |url-status=live }}

Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, Ryan Coogler, and Tems were nominated at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards for "Best Original Song — Motion Picture" for "Lift Me Up" from the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.{{Cite web |date=13 December 2022 |title=Tems Snags 2023 Golden Globe Nomination |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/life/tems-snags-2023-golden-globe-nomination/ |access-date=23 January 2023 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News |language=en-US |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123043027/https://editor.guardian.ng/life/tems-snags-2023-golden-globe-nomination/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a42218184/golden-globe-nominees-2023/ | title=A Complete List of the 2023 Golden Globe Nominees | date=10 January 2023 }} It also earned her nominations for the Academy Award for Best Original Song,{{Cite web |last=Corrine |first=Amber |date=24 January 2023 |title=Rihanna Earns 2023 Oscar Nomination For 'Black Panther' Song 'Lift Me Up' |url=https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/rihanna-oscar-nomination-lift-me-up-2023-1234729460/ |access-date=24 January 2023 |website=VIBE.com |archive-date=24 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230124151934/https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/rihanna-oscar-nomination-lift-me-up-2023-1234729460/ |url-status=live }} and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media,{{Cite web |title=2024 Grammy Nominations: See The Full Nominees List {{!}} GRAMMY.com |url=https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list |access-date=11 November 2023 |website=www.grammy.com |archive-date=10 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110180725/https://www.grammy.com/news/2024-grammys-nominations-full-winners-nominees-list |url-status=live }} making Tems the first Nigerian singer to be nominated in the categories.

In February 2023, Tems headlined the Afrobeats themed halftime show at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game.{{Cite web |last=Lamarre |first=Carl |date=2023-02-15 |title=Burna Boy, Tems & Rema to Perform at 2023 NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/burna-boy-tems-rema-2023-nba-all-star-game-halftime-1235254626/ |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Bresnahan |first=Samantha |date=2023-02-22 |title=Burna Boy, Afrobeats stars take center stage at the NBA All-Star game |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/21/africa/afrobeats-burna-boy-tems-rema-nba-all-star-halftime-spc-intl/index.html |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=CNN |language=en |archive-date=7 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240807061818/https://www.cnn.com/2023/02/21/africa/afrobeats-burna-boy-tems-rema-nba-all-star-halftime-spc-intl/index.html |url-status=live }} In the same month, Future, Drake, and Tems won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for "Wait for U". Thus, it marks the first female Nigerian artiste to win a Grammy Award.{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/future-drake-and-tems-win-best-melodic-rap-performance-for-wait-for-u-at-2023-grammys/|title=Future, Drake, and Tems Win Best Melodic Rap Performance for "Wait for U" at 2023 Grammys|date=5 February 2023|website=Pitchfork|access-date=6 February 2023|archive-date=12 May 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512024220/https://pitchfork.com/news/future-drake-and-tems-win-best-melodic-rap-performance-for-wait-for-u-at-2023-grammys/|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://thenet.ng/2023-grammys-tems-wins-grammy-awards-for-best-melodic-rap-performance-the-first-for-a-nigerian-female-artiste/|title=Tems Becomes The First Nigerian Female Artiste To Win Grammys|first=Imisioluwa|last=Ogunsunlade|date=5 February 2023|archive-date=6 February 2023|access-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206000247/https://thenet.ng/2023-grammys-tems-wins-grammy-awards-for-best-melodic-rap-performance-the-first-for-a-nigerian-female-artiste/|url-status=live}}

Tems won the Female MVP award at the Soundcity MVP Awards, which were held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos in February 2023.{{cite news |title=Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (Full Winners List) |url=https://africanfolder.com/burnaboy-black-sherif-win-at-the-soundcity-mvp-awards-2023-full-winners-list/ |website=African Folder |date=12 February 2023 |access-date=12 February 2023 |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212154054/https://africanfolder.com/burnaboy-black-sherif-win-at-the-soundcity-mvp-awards-2023-full-winners-list/ |url-status=live }} In May 2023, Tems was invited to fashion's biggest night out, the Met Gala. She became the first female Afrobeats artist to attend the event.

Furthermore, Tems was listed on the 2023 Time 100 Next list{{Cite magazine |date=13 September 2023 |title=2023 TIME100 Next: Tems |url=https://time.com/collection/time100-next-2023/6308477/tems/ |access-date=22 October 2023 |magazine=Time |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Akinyode |first=Peace |date=14 September 2023 |title=Tems makes TIME Magazine's 2023 Next 100 list |url=https://punchng.com/tems-makes-time-magazines-2023-next-100-list/ |access-date=22 October 2023 |website=Punch Newspapers |language=en-US |archive-date=22 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022025030/https://punchng.com/tems-makes-time-magazines-2023-next-100-list/ |url-status=live }}

On 5 October 2023, Tems released the single "Me & U".{{Cite news |last=Soencer |first=Tallie |date=5 October 2023 |title=Tems Shares New Hypnotic Single "Me & U" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/721295-tems-shares-new-single-me-u |access-date=6 October 2023 |website=www.hotnewhiphop.com |archive-date=7 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231007074426/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/721295-tems-shares-new-single-me-u |url-status=live }} The song marks Tems's first solo output since If Orange Was a Place, excluding her cover of Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" which was released in 2022.{{Cite web |title=Tems returns with the brand new single, "Me & U" |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/tems-returns-with-the-brand-new-single-me-u |access-date=13 October 2023 |website=The Line of Best Fit |language=en-US}} "Me & U" peaked at number 1 on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart and number 34 on the UK Singles Chart while in the United States, it reached number 10 on Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart.{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/58660/tems/|title=Tems songs and albums {{!}} full Official Chart history|website=Official Charts Company|access-date=18 October 2023}}

"Me & U" received an award for Outstanding International Song at the 55th NAACP Image Awards{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Angelique |date=2024-03-12 |title=NAACP Image Award Winners List: Victoria Monét, Chris Brown and ‘The Color Purple’ Nab Early Wins at Virtual Ceremony |url=https://variety.com/2024/awards/awards/naacp-image-award-winners-list-2024-1235938776/ |access-date=2024-03-13 |website=Variety |language=en-US |archive-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312125726/https://variety.com/2024/awards/awards/naacp-image-award-winners-list-2024-1235938776/ |url-status=live }} and a BET Award for [[BET Award for Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award|Dr. Bobby

Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award]].

On 5 December 2023, Tems announced that her second single of the year "Not an Angel" would be released on 8 December.{{Cite news |title=Tems Not An Angel Single Release Date Confirmed |work=Uproxx |url=https://uproxx.com/music/tems-not-an-angel-single-release-date/ |access-date=7 December 2023 |archive-date=6 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206115620/https://uproxx.com/music/tems-not-an-angel-single-release-date/ |url-status=live }}

In March 2024, Tems became the first African singer to be awarded a Billboard Women in Music Award in which she received under the Breakthrough category.{{Cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=24 January 2024 |title=2024 Billboard Women in Music Awards to Honor Ice Spice, NewJeans, Victoria Monét, Kylie Minogue & More |url=https://www.billboard.com/lists/2024-billboard-women-in-music-awards-honorees-newjeans-ice-spice-tems/ |access-date=7 March 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=26 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326042529/https://www.billboard.com/lists/2024-billboard-women-in-music-awards-honorees-newjeans-ice-spice-tems/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=4 March 2024 |title=Tems Stopped 'Worrying About What People Think' — And Became One of Africa's Biggest Stars |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/tems-women-in-music-breakthrough-chart-hits-debut-album-1235619689/ |access-date=7 March 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308045448/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/tems-women-in-music-breakthrough-chart-hits-debut-album-1235619689/ |url-status=live }} Tems's debut studio album Born in the Wild was released on 7 June and will be supported by a world tour.{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=15 April 2024 |title=Tems Announces Debut Album 'Born in the Wild' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tems-debut-album-born-in-the-wild-announcement-1235657254/ |access-date=16 April 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}} The second single "Love Me JeJe" off the album was announced and previewed on Tems's debut Coachella set and was released on 25 April.{{Cite magazine |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=22 April 2024 |title=Tems Announces 'Love Me Jeje' Single After Debuting It at Coachella |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tems-love-me-jeje-single-announcement-1235662740/ |access-date=4 May 2024 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=3 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503230743/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tems-love-me-jeje-single-announcement-1235662740/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Hussain |first=Shahzaib |date=26 April 2024 |title=Tems Shares Blithe Summer Soundtrack 'Love Me Jeje' {{!}} News |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/tems-shares-blithe-summer-soundtrack-love-me-jeje/ |access-date=4 May 2024 |website=Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews }} Tems further appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and on NPR Tiny Desk Concert to promote the album performing the then unreleased songs from the album.{{Cite news |last=NPR |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Tems Tiny Desk Concert 2024 |url=https://www.npr.org/2024/06/03/g-s1-1871/tems-tiny-desk-concert |work=NPR}}

The album was a commercial success reaching the top thirty in the UK, Netherlands and Switzerland. In the US, it peaked at fifty six becoming the highest peak for an album by a Nigerian female artist. Tems began her ongoing Born in the Wild Tour in June.

Tems received the highest nomination for an African act at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, earning three nominations: Born in the Wild for Best Global Music Album, "Burning" for Best R&B song and won "Love Me JeJe" for Best African Music Performance .{{Cite web |last=Chiemeke |first=Jerry |date=2024-11-09 |title=Out Of Africa: Tems, Wizkid, Yemi Alade, Other African Artistes Earn GRAMMY Nominations {{!}} The British Blacklist |url=https://thebritishblacklist.co.uk/out-of-africa-tems-wizkid-yemi-alade-other-african-artistes-earn-grammy-nominations/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |language=en-GB |archive-date=9 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241109214118/https://thebritishblacklist.co.uk/out-of-africa-tems-wizkid-yemi-alade-other-african-artistes-earn-grammy-nominations/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Atkinson |first=Katie |date=2024-11-08 |title=Grammy Nominations 2025: See the Complete List |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/grammy-nominations-2025-full-list-1235823165/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Billboard |language=en-US |archive-date=8 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241108164559/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/grammy-nominations-2025-full-list-1235823165/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Blistein |first=Jon |date=2024-11-08 |title=Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar Lead 2025 Grammy Nominees |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grammy-nominations-2025-list-1235156923/ |access-date=2024-11-09 |website=Rolling Stone |language=en-US |archive-date=13 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241113070817/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/grammy-nominations-2025-list-1235156923/ |url-status=live }} Tems became the first Nigerian artist to win multiple Grammy Awards.

In 2025, Tems became the first African woman to have part ownership in a Major League Soccer team by joining the San Diego FC ownership group.{{Cite web |last=Mamo |first=Heran |date=2025-02-12 |title=Tems Joins San Diego FC Ownership Group as Club Partner |url=https://www.billboard.com/culture/lifestyle/tems-joins-san-diego-fc-ownership-group-club-partner-1235898961/ |access-date=2025-02-24 |website=Billboard |language=en-US}}

Tems' mother only allowed her to listen to Christian music as a child. In her teenage years, she became interested in R&B and hip hop, and began listening to artists such as Burna Boy, Lauryn Hill, Adele, Rihanna, Coldplay, Paramore, and Asa. She also listened to Destiny's Child, Beyoncé, Lil Wayne, and Aaliyah, and once covered Alicia Keys' 2004 single, "If I Ain't Got You" in a live performance. Tems named Aaliyah, Frank Ocean's "Swim Good", and Lauryn Hill's "I Gotta Find Peace of Mind" as formative inspirations during that period, describing Hill's song as "very, very spiritual". She expressed how the music of those artists helped her understand how songs can channel emotion, provide spiritual connection, and serve as a means of pure self-expression.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-11 |title=For Nigeria’s Tems, Music Is a Gift |url=https://djbooth.net/features/2021-02-11-tems-interview-audiomack/ |access-date=2025-03-30 |website=DJBooth |language=en-US}}

At the age of 15, she stopped listening to other artists in search of her own identity, because she "wanted to learn how to attack a song from what I was feeling, not what Beyoncé would do or anyone else".{{Cite news|title=Artist to watch: 5 things to know about Tems|url=https://www.gq.co.za/culture/entertainment/artist-to-watch-5-things-to-know-about-tems-4cfacecd-7963-4581-a448-5491a3405502|access-date=28 December 2021|website=gq.co.za|language=en|archive-date=28 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228150021/https://www.gq.co.za/culture/entertainment/artist-to-watch-5-things-to-know-about-tems-4cfacecd-7963-4581-a448-5491a3405502|url-status=live}}

Her voice has been described as deep, velvety, and androgynous.

On 14 December 2020, Tems was arrested alongside fellow Nigerian singer Omah Lay after they performed in a show in Uganda. The Ugandan police authority identified a violation of COVID-19 lockdown protocols as the reason for their arrests, but the two artists felt they were set up.{{Cite news |title=Why Uganda Police do U-turn for Omah Lay release, tie am 'handcuffs' |work=BBC News Pidgin |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-55265376 |access-date=5 April 2021 |archive-date=14 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214151243/https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/tori-55265376 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|date=14 December 2020|title=Nigerian star Omah Lay arrested after Uganda gig|url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/12/nigerian-star-omah-lay-arrested-after-uganda-gig/|access-date=5 April 2021|website=Vanguard (Nigeria)|language=en-US|archive-date=11 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210411123137/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/12/nigerian-star-omah-lay-arrested-after-uganda-gig/|url-status=live}} Two days later, the Ugandan government released them, apologised for the arrests and dropped the charges against Tems and Omah Lay.{{cite news |last1=Paulinus |first1=Aidoghie |title=Uganda apologized to FG over arrest of singer Omah Lay, others |url=https://www.sunnewsonline.com/uganda-apologises-to-fg-over-arrest-of-singer-omah-lay-others/ |access-date=15 June 2021 |publisher=The Sun (Nigeria) |date=16 December 2020 |archive-date=16 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616043126/https://www.sunnewsonline.com/uganda-apologises-to-fg-over-arrest-of-singer-omah-lay-others/ |url-status=live }}

{{main|Tems discography}}

Studio albums

• Born in the Wild (2024)

Extended plays

• For Broken Ears (2020)
• If Orange Was a Place (2021)

Headlining

• Born in the Wild Tour

{{main|List of awards and nominations received by Tems}}

Tems has received many accolades, including two Grammy Awards, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, four BET Awards{{Cite web |last=Quayyim |first=Adedimeji |date=22 February 2023 |title=Tems, Wizkid clinch wins at the NAACP Image Awards |url=https://culturecustodian.com/tems-wizkid-clinch-wins-at-the-naacp-image-awards/ |access-date=3 July 2023 |website=The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.) |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230703181623/https://culturecustodian.com/tems-wizkid-clinch-wins-at-the-naacp-image-awards/ |url-status=live }} and three Soul Train Music Awards.{{Cite web |last1=Beresford |first1=Trilby |last2=Coates |first2=Tyler |date=27 February 2022 |title=2022 NAACP Image Awards: 'The Harder They Fall' Takes Best Film, Jennifer Hudson Named Entertainer of the Year |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/naacp-image-awards-2022-winners-list-1235100121/ |access-date=2 March 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228000643/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/naacp-image-awards-2022-winners-list-1235100121/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Respers France |first=Lisa |date=29 November 2021 |title=Soul Train Awards 2021: The winners list |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/29/entertainment/soul-train-2021-winners-list/index.html |access-date=2 March 2022 |publisher=CNN |archive-date=2 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302213738/https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/29/entertainment/soul-train-2021-winners-list/index.html |url-status=live }}.{{cite web |title=Breaking: BET Soul Train Awards 2022 Winners (Full List) |url=https://techscoopsng.com/bet-soul-train-awards-2022-winners-full-list/ |access-date=27 November 2022 |website=Techscoops |publisher=Tolulope Olulana |archive-date=27 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127123949/https://techscoopsng.com/bet-soul-train-awards-2022-winners-full-list/ |url-status=usurped }}{{Cite web |last=Jackson |first=Angelique |date=12 March 2024 |title=NAACP Image Award Winners List: Victoria Monét, Chris Brown and 'The Color Purple' Nab Early Wins at Virtual Ceremony |url=https://variety.com/2024/awards/awards/naacp-image-award-winners-list-2024-1235938776/ |access-date=12 March 2024 |website=Variety |archive-date=12 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240312023120/https://variety.com/2024/awards/awards/naacp-image-award-winners-list-2024-1235938776/ |url-status=live }}

{{Reflist}}

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{{Navboxes

|title = Awards for Tems

|list =

{{BET Award for Best Collaboration}}

{{BET Award for Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award}}

{{Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance}}

{{Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best Original Song in a Feature Film}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video}}

{{NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song}}

}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:1995 births

Category:21st-century Nigerian women singers

Category:English-language singers from Nigeria

Category:Living people

Category:Nigerian contemporary R&B singers

Category:Nigerian women singer-songwriters

Category:Nigerian singer-songwriters

Category:RCA Records artists

Category:Singers from Lagos State

Category:Yoruba women musicians

Category:Nigerian alté singers

Category:Grammy Award winners

Category:Nigerian Afrobeats musicians

Category:Nigerian producers

Category:Musicians from Lagos

Category:San Diego FC owners

Category:Contraltos