Tems overcame divorce and personal hardships to become one of Africa’s most celebrated music icons. Born Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, she spent her early years in the United Kingdom before her parents’ separation forced her return to Nigeria. Raised by her mother, Tems experienced instability, financial challenges, and frequent relocations, yet she chose resilience over despair.
Overcoming Childhood Struggles
Tems attended Dowen College before moving on to Monash South Africa, where she earned a degree in economics. In high school, she faced relentless bullying and criticism over her deep, unique voice. Many told her it sounded “like a boy,” shaking her confidence. Instead of giving up, Tems leaned into music—teaching herself piano, writing songs, and performing with her brother Muyiwa Awoniyi, who played guitar. This period of self-discovery strengthened her voice both as an artist and as an individual.
Breaking Into Music
Her career began in 2018 with the release of Mr Rebel. Despite financial struggles, she pushed forward with independent projects like Try Me and her debut EP For Broken Ears. The turning point came when she collaborated with Wizkid on Essence, which became an international hit and introduced her to global audiences. This success opened doors to partnerships with Drake, Future, and Rihanna, firmly establishing her on the world stage.
Global Recognition and Awards
Tems’ rise was marked by resilience and a refusal to let setbacks define her. She released her debut album Born in the Wild, and her contributions to the Black Panther soundtrack and Beyoncé’s Renaissance album further solidified her global reach. Her collaboration with Drake and Future on Wait for You won her a Grammy in 2023, while in 2025 she earned another Grammy for Best African Music Performance with Love Me Jeje.
Alongside her Grammy wins, she holds NAACP Image Awards for No Woman No Cry and Me & U. In 2024, Tems stunned audiences with a halftime performance at the FIFA Club World Cup Final, sharing the stage with J Balvin and Doja Cat.
Tems’ Legacy of Strength and Talent
From overcoming her parents’ separation and financial instability to embracing her unique voice, Tems overcame divorce and personal challenges to shape her destiny. Today, she stands as a Grammy-winning artist, international collaborator, and one of Africa’s brightest musical exports, proving that resilience, talent, and authenticity can conquer any barrier.
