Tems

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos, Nigeria, has emerged as one of the most influential voices in Afrobeats and global pop music. Growing up in Lagos, she was exposed to a diverse range of music from her mother’s gospel records to hip-hop and R&B. After studying economics at the University of Johannesburg, she returned to Lagos to pursue music, releasing her debut single “Mr Rebel” in 2018. Her 2019 single “Try Me” became a massive hit in Nigeria and across Africa, establishing her as a rising star in the Afrobeats scene.

Tems’ international breakthrough came through a series of high-profile collaborations. She featured on Wizkid’s 2020 hit “Essence,” which became the first Afrobeats song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and eventually reached the top ten with a Justin Bieber remix. She then contributed vocals and songwriting to Future’s “Wait for U” featuring Drake, which debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2022. That same year, she co-wrote and performed “Lift Me Up” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack alongside Rihanna, earning an Oscar nomination.

Her debut EP “If Orange Was a Place” in 2021 and follow-up EP “Me & U” showcased her unique voice and genre-blending style that fuses Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative music. Her highly anticipated debut album “Born in the Wild” arrived in 2024 to critical acclaim, cementing her as a global superstar. Tems’ deep, distinctive vocal tone and her ability to seamlessly blend Nigerian musical traditions with global pop sensibilities have made her one of the most sought-after artists and collaborators in the world.

As of 2026, Tems’ net worth is estimated at $8 million. Her wealth comes from music sales, high-profile collaborations, touring, brand endorsements, and songwriting royalties. She has won BET Awards and Grammy Awards, and continues to be a trailblazer for African music on the global stage.