Tems Biography And Net Worth (2025)

Temilade Openiyi, better known by her stage name Tems, is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian music scene. From Lagos, Nigeria, to international recognition, Tems’ journey is nothing short of remarkable. Her ability to seamlessly blend Afrobeat, soul, and R&B has earned her a spot among the most influential Nigerian artists of this generation. With each passing year, her career continues to soar to new heights, with numerous accolades and a growing global fan base. This article discusses her life, her rise to stardom, her musical contributions, and her net worth currently in this year 2025.

TEMS EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND 

Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Tems was drawn to music from a young age, and it wasn’t long before she began exploring her vocal talents. Though she attended Dowen College in Lagos, where she was highly involved in extracurricular activities, her heart was set on music, and she soon began to experiment with writing and recording songs.

After completing her secondary education at Dowen College, Lagos, Tems went on to study Economics at the Independent Institution of Education (IEE) MSA, formerly known as Monash South Africa. However, despite her academic focus, her love for music never waned. It was during this period that she began producing music and honing her skills in various genres. Her early musical influences, including Fela Kuti, Sade Adu, and Alicia Keys, shaped her fusion of Afrobeat, soul, and R&B.

THE BREAKTHROUGH

Tems’ musical career took a significant turn in 2018 with the release of her debut single, “Mr. Rebel.” Although the track gained some local attention, it was her follow-up single, “Try Me,” released in 2019, that truly captured the public’s attention. The song went viral in Nigeria and helped to establish her as a standout artist on the Nigerian music scene.

However, it was her 2020 collaboration with Nigerian superstar Wizkid on the hit single “Essence” that truly skyrocketed her to international fame. “Essence” became a global anthem, gaining massive streaming numbers and making waves on the Billboard Hot 100. The song earned Tems several accolades, including a Grammy nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023, further cementing her status as a top-tier artist.

Tems’ international profile continued to rise with another landmark collaboration—this time with Canadian rapper Drake on the song “Fountains” from his album Certified Lover Boy. This collaboration was another milestone in her career, showcasing her ability to work with globally recognized artists and expand her reach beyond the African continent.

TEMS’ UNIQUE MUSICAL STYLE: A FUSION OF AFROBEAT, SOUL, AND R&B

Tems’ music is best described as a dynamic blend of Afrobeat, soul, R&B, and alternative music. This genre-blending approach has allowed her to carve out a unique space in the music industry, appealing to both African and global audiences. Her ability to combine rich Afrobeat rhythms with soulful melodies and emotionally charged lyrics sets her apart from many artists in the Afrobeat genre.

Her voice is one of her strongest attributes. Often described as sultry and captivating, Tems’ vocal delivery is deeply emotive. Whether she’s singing about love, empowerment, or personal growth, her lyrics resonate deeply with listeners. The way she carries her emotions through her voice allows her music to go beyond cultural and linguistic boundaries, making it universally appealing.

What also makes Tems stand out is her use of her platform to raise awareness on critical social issues, particularly around mental health. Her music isn’t just about entertainment; it’s about delivering powerful messages that resonate with her audience. Her fans appreciate the authenticity she brings to her art and the openness with which she addresses issues that affect many people.

TEMS’ NET WORTH 2025

As of this 2025, Tems’ net worth is estimated at $5 million. This impressive figure is the result of her hit singles, collaborations with top international artists, successful concert tours, and brand endorsements. Tems’ earnings come from various streams, including music sales, streaming revenue, and live performances. Her collaboration with Wizkid on “Essence” and her work with Drake and other international artists have generated millions of dollars in royalties, contributing significantly to her wealth.

Beyond her music, Tems has become a prominent brand ambassador for some of the biggest names in fashion. Her collaborations with international brands have added to her growing wealth. She has worked with top fashion houses and her endorsements have brought her additional streams of income. Tems’ presence on the global stage has made her a sought-after influencer, further increasing her visibility and income.

Her financial success has also been fueled by her international tours and live performances. She has sold out shows in major cities across the globe, including London, New York, and Los Angeles, attracting fans from all walks of life. Notably, Tems performed at Coachella, one of the world’s biggest music festivals, where her performance received critical acclaim, helping her expand her fan base and further boosting her income.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACCOLADES 

Tems’ career has been marked by numerous accolades and achievements, each of which underscores her influence in the global music scene. Some of her major accomplishments include:

• Best Collaboration at the 2021 Headies Awards for her hit single “Essence” with Wizkid.
• Best International Act at the BET Awards in 2022, solidifying her place among the top global artists.
• Grammy Award wins in 2023 and 2025 respectively for Best Melodic Rap Performance and Best African Music Performance respectively.
• Multiple chart appearances on the Billboard Music Charts, where she ranked among the top international artists.
• A highly successful collaboration with Drake on the track “Fountains,” which added to her ever-growing list of hit singles.
• International performances at major music festivals, including Coachella, where she earned praise for her electrifying set.
• Several prestigious awards, including the African Music Awards and the MTV Africa Music Awards, further cementing her status as one of Africa’s leading musicians.

Her growing collection of awards and accolades is a testament to her hard work and the global recognition she has earned. Each achievement represents a step toward becoming one of the most respected and influential figures in the global music industry.

TEMS’ INFLUENCE AND ADVOCACY 

In addition to her musical talents, Tems has become a role model for young people, especially young women across the globe. Her rise to fame from humble beginnings in Lagos is an inspiring story of perseverance, resilience, and authenticity. Through her music and social media presence, she encourages her followers to embrace their uniqueness, prioritize mental health, and practice self-love.

Tems has also used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness and women’s empowerment. She openly addresses topics like self-worth and mental well-being, encouraging her audience to be true to themselves and prioritize their health. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Tems has become a trailblazer, showing that women can thrive in the music industry while staying true to their artistic vision.

Her influence extends beyond music, as she has become a role model for young women who aspire to break barriers and achieve success on their own terms. She continues to show that with passion, authenticity, and hard work, anything is possible.

CONCLUSION

Tems remains one of the most prominent figures in the global music scene. Her blend of Afrobeat, soul, and R&B, combined with her captivating voice and powerful lyrics, has earned her a place at the forefront of contemporary music. With a net worth of $5 million and a growing list of awards and accomplishments, Tems has proven that she is not just a Nigerian sensation but a global superstar.

Her ability to break boundaries, both musically and culturally, has made her one of the most influential artists of her generation. As Tems continues to evolve as an artist and expand her global presence, there’s no doubt that she will remain a force in the music world for years to come.