Lifestyle
Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Tems
By Benjamin Abioye
Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, has made a name for herself as one of Nigeria’s most influential artists.
She recently became the second Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy, following Sade Adu, who won Best New Artist in 1986, solidifying her position in the global music industry.
Her journey to fame has been marked by groundbreaking collaborations, record-breaking achievements, and recognition on international charts. Below are 15 remarkable facts about her rise to stardom and her impact on the music world.
Grammy Success – Tems was nominated for a Grammy for her work on Wizkid’s Essence. She later won the Best Melodic Rap Performance award for her feature on Future’s Wait for U.
Billboard Hot 100 Record* – She made history as the first African artist to dbut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 with Wait for U, alongside Future and Drake.
Breaking Records in R&B – Her song Free Mind became the longest-charting No. 1 song by a female artist on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in 2022.
Global Breakthrough – Tems gained worldwide recognition after featuring on Wizkid’s hit song Essence, which topped charts globally.
Collaborations with Icons – She has worked with major international artists like Wizkid, Drake, Future, and Rihanna on hits such as Essence, Fountains, and Lift Me Up.
Iconic Cover Performance – In 2022, she recorded a cover of Bob Marley’s No Woman, No Cry for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, receiving widespread acclaim.
Successful Debut EP – Her first extended play, For Broken Ears (2020), was well-received and paved the way for her global success.
Multiple Award Wins – Tems has won several major awards, including two Grammys, four BET Awards, four NAACP Image Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards.
Chart-Topping Album – Her 2024 debut studio album, Born in the Wild, ranked in the top 30 charts in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Pioneer in African Music – She is the first Nigerian artist to win multiple Grammy Awards, establishing herself as a global trailblazer.
International Influence – Her hit song Essence became a global anthem, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and boosting the presence of African music worldwide.
Songwriting Talent – Beyond singing, she is an accomplished songwriter, co-writing hits like Rihanna’s Lift Me Up.
More Chart Success – She was featured on Drake’s track Fountains, further solidifying her place in the international music scene.
Making Nigerian Music History – In 2022, she became only the second Nigerian artist, after Burna Boy, to top the Billboard Hot 100.
Versatile Artist – Tems blends various music styles, from Afrobeats to R&B, hip-hop, and pop, proving her ability to adapt across different genres.
Tems continues to push the boundaries of African music and remains a key figure in shaping the global music landscape.
Send Us A Press Statement Advertise With Us Contact Us
And For More Nigerian News Visit GWG.NG
