African Music Culture

Who is Tems, the Grammy Award-winning Nigerian Songbird?

Tems, A Nigerian Musician Wins Grammy 
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Written by Jesca

On February 5 2023, Nigerian crooner  Temilade Openiyi aka Tems made history by becoming the first female Nigerian artist to win a Grammys award. She set the internet on a search spree about Tems Grammy winner.

The Nigerian singer won the Best Melodic Rap Performance category at the 2023 Grammy awards.  This coveted award came off her craft in the smash-hit single Wait for U by American rapper  Future, who also had Canadian rapper Drake in the song.

It was a triumphant victory for Tems when the African star beat the star-studded competition of Kendrick Lamar and DJ Khaled. Her success has been nothing short of remarkable in recent years; this latest win is proof that her hard work continues to pay off.

How Did Tems Get Famous?

Tems Grammy winner rose to fame in 2020 for her collaboration with Wizkid on the hit single “Essence.” This chart-topping song was later remixed and featured Justin Bieber. The remixed version with Justin Bieber, earned her a Grammy Award nomination.

Later that same year, she was asked by Drake to lend her soulful voice to his esteemed track titled “Fountains”, affirming her place among the music industry elites.

On September 25th, 2020, Tems embarked on a new musical journey with the release of her debut EP For Broken Ears. Following her big break and RCA Records signing in 2021 came the success of If Orange Was A Place. Her work gained further recognition when Future sampled one of her songs for his single “Wait for U” featuring Drake.

In 2022, Tems covered Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack. She subsequently released her debut EP single, “Free Mind,” which featured on the Hot 100 chart. Since then, she has gained numerous accolades, including a Grammy Award, two NAACP Image Awards, two BET Awards and two Soul Train Music Awards.

On top of that success, Temi also co-wrote Rihanna’s song “Lift Me Up”, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song.

Has Tems Won a Grammy Award?

Yes, Tems won a Grammy award in 2023 – that’s why the internet is awash with Tems Grammy winner searches. Tems has been hailed as Tems’ magnum opus, and her win at the 2023 Grammys is a testament to her immense talent and hard work. Her win is a momentous occasion for not only Tems, but for African music. Tems’ win is a celebration of the progress that African music has made and an inspiration for all who aspire to reach Tems’ level of success.

Which Tems Song Won a Grammy?

Tems Grammy winner song was “Wait for U”. U.S based rapper Future featured her in the song. It was released as part of Future’s album High Off Life, and she was credited as a featured artist. Tems also co-wrote the song, which contributed to its success. The song earned both artists a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

What is Tems Biggest Song?

The biggest song by Tems is ‘Essence‘ on which she collaborated with fellow Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid.  Lifted off Wizkid’s ‘Made in Lagos’ album, Essence won multiple awards in 2022 and topped foreign music charts. It was on Billboard, US Afrobeats Chart and UK music charts. S

She says this is the song that gave her a complete jump in her music career, and there is only success to tell after the collaboration. Her personal projects such as “Free Mind” and Crazy Tings did equally well. The songbird continues to be a staple in the Nigerian music industry, and her success is only growing. Other songs include Damages, Found (feat. Brent Faiyaz) and No Woman, No Cry.

How Old is Temilade Openiyi?

Tems is currently 27 years old. She was born on April 21, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. Tems has been active in the music industry since 2016, having released her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” in late 2016. Tems has since collaborated with superstars such as WizKid, Drake and Justin Bieber.

How Rich is Tems?

Since her swift rise to fame and the popularity of her tracks on the radio, Tems has earned well for herself. As of 2022, the singer’s net worth is estimated to lie between $500,000 and a whopping $1 million. Tems has continued to wow fans with her voice, and has collaborated with industry giants. She has created a lane for herself and is certainly one to watch in the music industry.

Tems Grammy award

Tems Performs At Lafayette. (Photo by Joseph Okpako/WireImage)

Four years ago, Tems released her debut single, Mr Rebel – and it didn’t take long for the Rebel Gang to fall in love with its distinct sound and energized rhythm compared to other female Nigerian singers. Fast forward four short years later, she is a Grammy winner and has worked on several projects alongside prominent international performers.

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About the author

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Jesca

Besigye is a Ugandan writer and a teacher by profession. She loves adventure and travelling that's why she loves writing travel blogs.

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