Meet Tems, the Afro-fusion singer and songwriter taking Nigeria and the world by storm. Born Temilade Openiyi in 1995, Tems has become one of the most celebrated contemporary singers in Nigeria, thanks to her unique sound and songwriting. In this blog post, we will explore Tems’ biography, age, early life, family, education, and career. Read on to learn more about the talented artist.
Early Life and Family
Tems was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. She grew up in a family of music lovers and was introduced to music at a very young age. Her mother was a gospel singer, and her father was a percussionist who played in a local church band.
As a child, Tems loved to sing and often performed for her family and friends. Her parents recognized her talent and encouraged her to pursue music as a career. However, they also stressed the importance of education and made sure she attended school.
Tems’ childhood was not without challenges, as she often felt like an outsider. She struggled with anxiety and found it hard to connect with others her age. However, music was always there for her, providing solace and comfort in difficult times.
Despite the obstacles she faced, Tems never lost sight of her dreams. She continued to hone her craft and write songs that spoke to her experiences and emotions. Her hard work paid off when she landed her first major record deal in 2018, launching her on a path to stardom.
Education
Tems was educated in Nigeria, attending primary and secondary school in Lagos. After graduating from high school, she proceeded to the University of Lagos to study chemical engineering.
However, Tems’ love for music never waned and she continued to hone her craft even while in school. In an interview, she revealed that during her undergraduate years, she would attend music shows and performances at night while studying during the day.
Despite her passion for music, Tems completed her degree in chemical engineering and graduated with honours.
It wasn’t until after completing her studies that she decided to fully pursue a career in music. She enrolled in a music school and began taking vocal and music production classes.
Today, Tems’ education in chemical engineering may not seem directly relevant to her music career, but it is a testament to her dedication and commitment to achieving excellence in whatever she sets her mind to. Her education has undoubtedly contributed to her work ethic and attention to detail, which have been essential in her success as a musician.
Career Beginnings
Tems’ career started in 2018 when she released her first single, “Mr Rebel,” which quickly gained attention from music lovers. However, it wasn’t until her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence” in 2020 that she rose to global fame. Tems quickly gained a large following and recognition from notable artists, such as Drake, who posted about her music on his Instagram story.
Before her breakout hit, Tems had already been making waves in the music industry, having performed at various events and collaborating with several other artists, including Odunsi The Engine and BlackMagic. Her unique sound, which blends soulful vocals and Afrobeat rhythms, has garnered widespread acclaim, earning her the nickname “The Queen of Soulful Afrobeat.”
In addition to her solo career, Tems has also been featured on tracks with prominent Nigerian artists like Falz, Ladipoe, and DRB LasGidi. She has also worked with international artists such as Brent Faiyaz, Disclosure, and Dave.
Tems has proven to be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
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Rise to Fame
After years of hard work and dedication, Tems finally reached the pinnacle of her career with her breakout hit, “Essence.” The song, which featured Wizkid, became a global sensation, topping charts and gaining millions of streams. Its infectious melody and Tems’ soulful vocals captivated audiences around the world, propelling her into the spotlight.
Following the success of “Essence,” Tems garnered attention from some of the biggest names in the industry. Artists like Drake, who has a keen ear for talent, took notice of her unique sound and shared her music on his Instagram story, further boosting her profile.
With her rising fame, Tems has become a sought-after collaborator, working with both Nigerian and international artists. She has lent her vocals to tracks by Falz, Ladipoe, and DRB LasGidi, showcasing her versatility and ability to adapt to different styles of music.
Tems’ rise to fame is a testament to her incredible talent and hard work. Her captivating voice, combined with her raw and honest songwriting, resonates with audiences on a deep level. As she continues to make waves in the music industry, there is no doubt that Tems’ star will only continue to rise.
Collaborations
Tems has collaborated with several prominent artists in the Nigerian music industry. In 2018, she worked with Wizkid on his hit song “Essence” which was featured on his album Made in Lagos. The song was a massive hit, both in Nigeria and internationally, and helped to boost Tems’ career significantly.
In 2019, she worked with another well-known Nigerian artist, Odunsi the Engine, on the song “Decided,” which was featured on his album Rare. The following year, Tems collaborated with Nigerian-American rapper Wale on his single “Love & Loyalty,” which was released in March 2020.
In addition to her collaborations with other artists, Tems has also worked on several projects with fellow Nigerian singer-songwriter, Lady Donli. The two artists have a great chemistry and have collaborated on several songs, including “Cash” and “Good Time.”
Tems’ collaborations with other artists have helped to expand her fan base and introduce her unique sound to new audiences. She has become one of the most sought-after vocalists in the Nigerian music industry and continues to collaborate with other artists to create great music.
Personal Life
In addition to her successful music career, Tems is known for being a private person when it comes to her personal life. She prefers to keep her personal affairs out of the public eye and focuses on her artistry. As a result, not much is known about her personal relationships or dating history.
Tems has mentioned in interviews that she finds solace in spending time alone and values her solitude. She believes that it allows her to fully immerse herself in her music and connect with her emotions on a deeper level.
Outside of her music, Tems enjoys spending time with loved ones and close friends. She has mentioned that she finds comfort in their support and guidance, especially during challenging times.
Tems also uses her platform to advocate for social issues. She has been vocal about police brutality in Nigeria and has actively participated in protests and initiatives aimed at creating positive change. Her activism and commitment to making a difference in society have further endeared her to fans and admirers around the world.
Overall, while Tems prefers to keep her personal life private, her dedication to her craft, activism, and the impact she has made in the music industry continue to captivate audiences and solidify her status as a rising star.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tems is a talented and hardworking musician who has made a name for herself in the Nigerian music industry and beyond. From her humble beginnings in Lagos, she has shown dedication and perseverance in pursuing her passion for music.
Her unique sound, which blends Afrobeats, R&B, and soul, has won her fans across the globe. Tems has worked with several notable artists and producers and continues to attract attention for her distinct style and powerful lyrics.
Aside from her musical achievements, Tems has also been recognized for her activism and advocacy work. She has spoken out against police brutality in Nigeria and has used her platform to promote positive change in society.
With a promising career ahead of her, it is clear that Tems has much more to offer in the coming years. Her journey so far has been inspiring, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for this talented artist.