Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Tems

Discover the career path of Tems, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer. Her career gained significant momentum after featuring on Wizkid's hit song "Essence" in 2020, which achieved international success, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a remix with Justin Bieber. This collaboration earned her a Grammy nomination. In the same year, she further solidified her presence in the music industry by appearing on Drake's song "Fountains."

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2018: Quitting Job and Releasing Debut Single

In 2018, Tems quit her job in digital marketing to pursue a career in music. On July 18th, 2018, she released her debut single, "Mr Rebel", which she produced herself.

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August 2019: Release of 'Try Me' Single

On August 7, 2019, Tems released the single "Try Me".

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April 2020: Feature on Khalid and Disclosure's Single

In April 2020, Tems was featured alongside Davido on a reworked version of Khalid and Disclosure's single, "Know Your Worth".

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September 2020: Release of debut EP 'For Broken Ears'

On September 25, 2020, Tems released her debut extended play, For Broken Ears. The single "Damages" from the EP became a hit, peaking at number one on the Nigerian Apple Music chart.

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October 2020: Feature on Wizkid's 'Essence'

On October 30, 2020, Tems was featured on Wizkid's single, "Essence", from the latter's fourth studio album, Made in Lagos.

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2020: Release of debut EP 'For Broken Ears'

In 2020, Tems released her debut extended play (EP), For Broken Ears.

2020: Feature on Wizkid's Essence

In 2020, Tems rose to prominence after being featured on Wizkid's single "Essence." The song reached number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 following a remix with Justin Bieber and earned Tems a Grammy nomination. That same year, she was also featured on Drake's song "Fountains".

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August 2021: Reworked version of Essence released

On August 13, 2021, a reworked version of "Essence", which contains an additional feature from Justin Bieber, was released, which propelled the song to reach number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

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September 2021: Feature on Drake's 'Fountains' and Release of 'If Orange Was a Place' EP

In September 2021, Tems was featured on Drake's song, "Fountains", which debuted at number 26 on the Hot 100. On September 15, 2021, Tems released her second extended play, If Orange Was a Place, after being signed to RCA records.

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2021: Signing with RCA Records and release of 'If Orange Was a Place' EP

In 2021, Tems signed with RCA Records to release her second EP, If Orange Was a Place.

March 2022: Apple Music 1 Launched Leading Vibe Radio Show With Tems

On March 31 2022, Apple Music 1 Launched Leading Vibe Radio Show With Tems.

April 2022: Featured on Future's 'Wait for U'

On April 29, 2022, Tems was featured alongside Drake on Future's single, "Wait for U". The song debuted atop the Hot 100, making Tems the first African female artist to top the chart and more so debut atop the chart.

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July 2022: Covering Bob Marley's 'No Woman, No Cry' and 'Free Mind' debuted on Billboard Hot 100

In July 2022, Tems covered Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack album. Also in July 2022, her song "Free Mind" debuted on the Billboard Hot 100.

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July 2022: Release of No Woman No Cry cover, and Free Mind debut

In July 2022, Tems covered Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" for the Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. On July 26, 2022, Tems' song "Free Mind" debuted on the Hot 100.

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October 2022: Co-writing Rihanna's 'Lift Me Up'

In October 2022, Tems co-wrote Rihanna's song "Lift Me Up" for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.

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February 2023: Headlining NBA All-Star Game Halftime Show and Grammy Win

In February 2023, Tems headlined the Afrobeats themed halftime show at the 2023 NBA All-Star Game. Also in February 2023, Future, Drake, and Tems won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for "Wait for U". Tems also won the Female MVP award at the Soundcity MVP Awards.

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October 2023: Release of 'Me & U'

On 5 October 2023, Tems released the single "Me & U".

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March 2024: Billboard Women in Music Award

In March 2024, Tems became the first African singer to be awarded a Billboard Women in Music Award in the Breakthrough category.

2024: Release of Debut Album and Grammy Win

In 2024, Tems released her debut studio album Born in the Wild to critical acclaim and embarked on a world tour supporting the album. She also won a Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for her song "Love Me JeJe".

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November 21, 2025: Release of Love is A Kingdom EP

On November 21, 2025, Tems surprise released her Love is A Kingdom EP.

2025: Sales and Certifications

As of 2025 Tems sold over 25 million certificed units worldwide, including 12 million certified by RIAA.

2025: Part Ownership in San Diego FC and Release of Raindance

In 2025, Tems became the first African woman to have part ownership in a Major League Soccer team by joining the San Diego FC ownership group. In October, Dave and Tems released “Raindance", which became a viral hit earning Tems her first number one hit in the UK.

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