Nigerian music star Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, says her achievements in the global music industry have exceeded anything she imagined when her career began.
The Grammy-winning singer made the revelation during a fan interaction on X, where she responded to questions about her growth and future ambitions. When asked if she had fulfilled the dreams she held before becoming a household name, Tems said she is open to whatever lies ahead and already considers herself beyond her early aspirations.
Tems transitioned into full-time music in January 2018 after leaving her job as a digital marketer. She released her debut single, Mr Rebel, later that same year, gaining early recognition from fans and media platforms.
Her major breakthrough came in 2020 through her collaboration with Wizkid on Essence, a track that achieved global acclaim. The song later climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a remix featuring Justin Bieber, solidifying her status as one of Afrobeats’ standout voices.
In 2023, Tems made history as the first female Afrobeats artist to win a Grammy when Wait For U, her collaboration with Future and Drake, won Best Melodic Rap Performance. She went on to secure another Grammy in 2025, winning the category for Best African Music Performance, becoming the only Nigerian artist with multiple Grammy awards to date.
Beyond music accolades, Tems has expanded her influence in global entertainment. She earned both Oscar and Golden Globe nominations as a co-writer of Rihanna’s hit soundtrack Lift Me Up, recorded for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Her trajectory, from a young digital marketer to an internationally decorated artist, continues to position her as one of Nigeria’s most impactful contemporary musicians.