15 Facts To Know About Tems: Second Nigerian Female Artist to Win a Grammy

Tems, also known as Temilade Openiyi, is a global music icon and the second Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy.

Tems, known for her groundbreaking collaborations with international stars and record-breaking chart successes, consistently pushes the boundaries of African music.

This feature explores 15 remarkable facts about her rise to stardom and the milestones that have made her a prominent figure in the music industry.

Temilade Openiyi, widely recognized as Tems, has emerged as a pioneering figure in the international music industry, achieving a significant milestone as the second Nigerian female artist to receive a Grammy Award.

Through her innovative partnerships with global artists and her unprecedented success on music charts, Tems has continually expanded the horizons of African music.

In this article, we explore 15 remarkable facts about her extraordinary ascent to fame and the achievements that have established her as a formidable presence in the music realm.

Grammy Nominee and Winner: Tems garnered a Grammy nomination for her collaboration on Wizkid’s “Essence” and secured the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U.”
Billboard Achievement: She made history as the first African artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with Future’s “Wait for U,” which also reached the top position in conjunction with Drake.

3. Worldwide Acclaim: In 2022, her track “Free Mind” set a record for the longest duration at number one on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart by a female artist.

4. Rising Star of 2020: Tems gained international recognition through her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence,” which propelled her onto global music charts and earned her critical praise.

5. Collaborations with Icons: She has partnered with prominent artists such as Wizkid, Drake, Future, and Rihanna, contributing to popular tracks like “Essence,” “Fountains,” and “Lift Me Up.”

6. “No Woman, No Cry” Cover: In 2022, she delivered a cover of Bob Marley’s legendary song for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, receiving significant attention for her interpretation.

7. Successful Debut EP: Her first extended play, For Broken Ears (2020), was met with widespread acclaim, paving the way for her international breakthrough.

8. Multiple Award-Winner: Tems has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, including two Grammy Awards, four BET Awards, four NAACP Image Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards.

9. Record-Breaking Artist: With the launch of her debut studio album Born in the Wild in 2024, she achieved top 30 chart positions in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

10. Pioneering African Artist: She is the first Nigerian artist to receive multiple Grammy Awards, reinforcing her role as a pioneer in the global music scene.

11. International Impact: Her single “Essence” emerged as a worldwide anthem, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, significantly enhancing the visibility of African music on the global stage.

12. Remarkable Songwriting Ability: Tems is not only an exceptional vocalist but also a skilled songwriter, having contributed to several of her major hits and co-writing Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up.”

13. Successful Collaborations: Her appearance on Drake’s song “Fountains” further established her presence in the global music industry.

14. Pioneering Achievements: In 2022, Tems made history by becoming the second Nigerian artist to reach the top of the Billboard Hot 100, following Burna Boy, which represented a significant achievement for Nigerian music.

15. Genre Versatility: Tems has demonstrated her ability to navigate various musical styles, including Afrobeat, R&B, hip-hop, and pop, earning her recognition as a genre-blending artist.