On Sunday, February 2, 2025, popular singer, Temilade Openiyi, aka Tems, was named the winner of the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category of the 67th Grammy Awards in faraway California, United States of America.
Her winning song, ‘Love Me JeJe’, bested ‘Tomorrow’ by Yemi Alade, ‘MMS’ by Asake featuring Wizkid, ‘Sensational’ by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay; and ‘Higher’ by Burna Boy.
With that feat, she became the first Nigerian female artiste to win a Grammy Award for her solo work, putting her in a class of her own.
Meanwhile, in February 2023, the song, ‘Wait for U’ by American rapper, Future, featuring Drake and Tems, had won the Grammy Award for ‘Best Melodic Rap Performance’.
With these awards and other notable recognitions, Tems has become a global sensation, captivating audiences with her unique sound, raw talent and powerful presence. From humble beginnings in Lagos to dominating the charts with international collaborations, Tems is now regarded in many quarters as the new queen of afrobeats.
The genesis
Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, the singer and songwriter was raised in a musically inclined family. From a young age, she was exposed to various genres of music. In past interviews, she has stated that she was influenced by the likes of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu and Bob Marley, whose iconic sounds shaped her musical identity.
In 2018, Tems released her first single titled, ‘Mr Rebel’, which quickly garnered attention for its distinctive blend of afrobeat rhythms and soulful melodies. The track was a statement of her unique sound and a sign of what was to come.
Breakthrough moment
Arguably, her breakthrough moment came when she released the song, ‘Try Me’ in 2019.
The song, a honest and heartfelt expression of her experiences and emotions, struck a chord with listeners across Nigeria and beyond. The raw vulnerability in the song’s lyrics, combined with her ethereal voice, marked her as a force to be reckoned with.
The song soon became an anthem for many, propelling Tems into the spotlight and earning her recognition as one of the leading voices in the new “class” of afrobeats artists. The success of the song was a testament to Tems’ authenticity, lyrical depth and ability to blend afrobeat rhythms with a distinctive fusion of soul and RnB.
A global star is born
Tems’ global breakthrough unarguably came in 2020 when she featured on the award-winning song, ‘Essence’ by Wizkid; and its remix featuring Justin Bieber. The song became an international hit, topping charts and earning Tems recognition outside Africa. Her stunning vocals on the track, particularly her emotive chorus, won her accolades, and the song quickly became an afrobeats anthem that crossed over to mainstream audiences in the United States, Europe and beyond. The collaboration with Wizkid was a pivotal moment for her career, as it showcased her ability to seamlessly blend into the global music scene.
Tems’ collaboration with Drake on the song, ‘Fountains’, further solidified her place on the global stage. Her distinct voice paired with Drake’s smooth rapping style added to the growing recognition of afrobeats artists in international markets.
Crafting a unique sound
One of the key elements to Tems’ success is her ability to craft a sound that is both distinctly African and universally appealing. Drawing from afrobeats, soul, RnB, and even elements of electronic music, she has developed a sound that sets her apart from her contemporaries. Whether it’s her soaring falsetto, emotive delivery, or genre-defying musical arrangements, Tems has created a musical identity that resonates with listeners across the globe.
Her lyrics often explore themes of love, self-discovery and personal growth. Her ability to convey complex emotions in a relatable way has made her one of the most respected voices in afrobeats today.
The new Queen of Afrobeats
As Tems’ popularity continues to soar, it is clear that she is on track to become one of the most influential artistes on the global music scene.
In a genre that is often dominated by male artistes, Tems has carved out a space for herself, proving that women can be just as impactful in shaping the sound and future of afrobeats.
