Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, comes through with one of the most unbelievable face cards and a voice that simply stands out. While her grace and finesse are magnetizing, the most interesting thing about the singer is that her journey to global stardom is even more remarkable.
From working a corporate job in Lagos, Nigeria, to building a music career that, within just eight years, has taken her to the global stage, Tems has gone from chasing a dream to becoming one of the biggest names in music. Today, she’s not only looking for a suitable place in her home to keep not one but two Grammy Awards, but has also collaborated with some of the world’s biggest superstars, including Drake, Beyoncé, Future, Rihanna, and Wizkid.
Yet somehow, all of this started after Tems took a chance on herself. From being a self-taught producer, dealing with rejection, and learning the ropes of the music industry, she has grown into a global superstar, an award-winning artist, with a portfolio that includes a major investment in a football club.
Read on for every interesting detail about singer Tems, from her awards and business to exactly what’s up with Tems beyond her immaculate voice and her status as Nigeria’s highest-charting female musician.
Tems Biography
Nickname: Tems Baby
Full name: Temilade Ann Openiyi
Date of birth: 11 June 1995
Place of birth: London, United Kingdom
Nationality: British-Nigerian
Category: Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer
Genres: R&B • Afrobeats • Alté • Soul
Education: Dowen College, Lagos • Monash South Africa (formerly Monash University Johannesburg)
Occupation: Singer • Songwriter • Record Producer • Businesswoman
Years active: 2018–present
Spouse: N/A
Partner: N/A
Mother: Dr. Olasimbo Davidson
Father: Mr. Openiyi
Sibling: Tems has one Brother, Tunji Openiyi
Children: None
State of origin: Lagos State
Labels: Leading Vibes • RCA Records
Estimated Net Worth: Approximately $3 million
Popular Collaborations
- Wizkid — Essence (2020)
- Drake — Fountains (2021)
- Future — WAIT FOR U (2022)
- Beyoncé — Move (2022)
- Rihanna — Lift Me Up (2022, songwriter)
- Brent Faiyaz — Found (2021)
- Asake — Get It Right (2024)
- J. Cole — Free Fall (2025)
- Dave — Raindance (2025)
Social Media:
- Instagram: TEMS (@temsbaby) (7 million followers as of 2026)
- X (Twitter): TEMS (@temsbaby) ( 2.3 million followers as of 2026)
- TikTok: TEMS (@temsbaby) ( 2.5 million followers as of 2026)
- Facebook: TEMS (@temsbaby) ( 1million followers as of 2026)
- YouTube: TEMS ( 1.66 million subscribers as of 2026)
Tems’ Career, List of Awards and Nominations
Tems shot into the spotlight in Nigeria with the singles from her debut EP, For Broken Ears. “Try Me,” released in 2019, introduced many Nigerians to her unique sound, while “Damages,” released in 2020, further established her as one of the country’s fastest-rising singers.
In no time, she caught the eye of Afrobeats singer Wizkid, and in no time, Wizkid and Tems’ “Essence” were at the top of global charts. The success of “Essence,” alongside Tems’ unique sound, further gained her the attention of global superstars.
Within the space of eight years, she wrapped up several international awards, topped many charts, and collaborated with several international acts, including Beyoncé, Drake, Future, Rihanna, J. Cole, Brent Faiyaz, and Asake, which makes her one of the most internationally recognised artists exported out of Nigeria.
Tems Awards & Nominations
- Grammy Awards (2)
- BET Awards
- NAACP Image Awards
- Soul Train Music Awards
- The Headies
- All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA)
- African Entertainment Awards USA
- NET Honours
- O2 Silver Clef Awards
- Afro X Digital Awards
Tems’ Relationship: Is the Singer Dating Anyone?
Tems has never been Instagram official or been in a public relationship. However, in the last eight years, fans have erupted after misunderstanding her working relationships with artists like Drake, Future, and, most recently, Dave.
Tems and Drake
In 2024, Nigerian fans were excited to see Tems making one of the staple dishes in Nigerian homes for Drake, who stopped by to have a taste. Beyond two friends sharing their culture, the only thing spicy in the mix was the meal.
Tems and Future
This came after, in 2023, Tems received a bouquet from Future, which led fans to think the artist might have had the hots for her. But the heartfelt note that read, “Accept this token of beauty as a thank you for being the best part of our Grammy Award-winning song. This is just the beginning,” made it clear that he sent her the flowers for her contribution to their Grammy-winning song, “WAIT FOR U,” which won Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Tems and Dave
More recently, a possible PR stunt led fans to believe that Tems and Dave were a secret couple who got engaged out of the blue, but it turned out to be a clip promoting their song “Raindance.” For fans, it was well played, as they haven’t stopped playing the song since.
So… yes, Nigerian singer Tems and British rapper Dave have sparked major engagement rumors, although those rumors lean more toward PR for their song “Raindance” than confirmation of any real-life romance.
Is Tems Married?
No, Tems is not married and has never publicly confirmed having a husband or boyfriend.
Tems Net Worth 2026
Thanks to a successful music career, global tours, endorsement deals, streaming royalties, and songwriting commissions—such as her contribution to Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack—Tems has not only earned an impressive lineup of awards but has also built quite a fortune for herself.
Several entertainment and finance websites estimate Tems’ net worth in 2026 to be between $3 million and $5 million. Tems ‘ net worth in naira is between ₦4.5 billion and ₦7 billion.
FAQ
Is Tems in a relationship?
No, Tems is not publicly in a relationship and has never confirmed having a boyfriend.
Is Tems fully Nigerian?
No. Tems is British-Nigerian. She was born in London to a British father and a Nigerian mother.
Does Tems have a child?
No, Tems does not have a child.
Mariam Emily Adama is a copywriter, SEO strategist, and digital marketer passionate about using words to inform, inspire, and influence. With over seven years of experience writing for global brands and managing digital campaigns, she brings a data-driven yet creative approach to content creation. When she’s not writing or analyzing trends, Mariam enjoys exploring new cultures, reading, and documenting stories that celebrate African excellence.