Tems

Temilade Openiyi. The multi faceted, Grammy Award-winning Nigerian artist who is making waves both in the industry and through her beautiful music. More commonly known as Tems, she has created an authentic sound that transcends borders to the soul and spirit of the listener. With accolades including the BET Award for Best International Act and iHeartRadio Music Award for Afrobeats Artist of the Year, 2023, Tems continues to rise as one of the most influential voices in music today.

As many of us do, Tems wrestled with the criticisms of those who were expected to encourage and nurture her. In school, she was mocked for her distinct voice—the same voice that earned her 20 million monthly listeners on Spotify and a million subscribers on Youtube. What was a mark of shame became her emblem, a frequency that created a certain “vibe”. 

Tems’ influence in the music industry is undeniable. Her breakthrough came with a standout feature on Wizkid’s “Essence,” a track that soared to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and gained even more traction with a remix featuring Justin Bieber. Her Grammy win for Best Melodic Rap Performance on Future’s “Wait for U” featuring Drake and her collaborations with Rihanna and Beyoncé further solidifying her place among the greats. Tems has shaped her sound and drawn the most prominent figures in her industry to partake in her creations.

Tems is the embodiment of a WOLA woman, a woman who embraced her uniqueness and was rewarded with the freedom to express herself authentically. Through her artistry, Tems continues shining a light on the rich tapestry of Afrikan sound while infusing her Inimitable flavour. Her journey serves as a beacon of hope, urging us all to embrace our distinct voices and sing for the world to hear, for future generations to catch its echo!

~Alinda Mutabazi, President & Founder, 24/25 Committee and Maryam Joe-Kyari Gadzama, Chief Editor, 24/25 Committee