Tems

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the Nigerian singer. For the singular of Tems, see Tem. For other uses, see TEMS.
Tems
Tems on NdaniTV Sessions -cropped.png
Tems on NdaniTV Sessions
Background information
Birth nameTemilade Openiyi
Also known asTems Baby
Born (1995-06-11) 11 June 1995 (age 27)
Lagos, Nigeria
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active2018–present
Labels

Temilade Openiyi (born 11 June 1995), known professionally as Tems, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer.[1][2] She rose to prominence after she was featured on Wizkid's 2020 single, "Essence", which reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 after the release of a remixed version with an additional feature from Justin Bieber, and earned her a Grammy Award nomination.[3] That same year, she was featured on Drake's song, "Fountains".

On 25 September 2020, she released her debut extended play, For Broken Ears. Tems released her second extended play, If Orange Was a Place (2021), after being signed to RCA Records.[4] In 2022, Tems' vocals from her song "Higher" were sampled by Future on his single, "Wait for U", which led to her being credited as a featured artist on the song. It debuted atop the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first African artist to debut at number one and the second Nigerian artist to top the chart.[2] Tems covered Bob Marley's "No Woman, No Cry" for the Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, released in July 2022[5] and in the same month her song "Free Mind" from her debut EP debuted on the Hot 100. Tems became one of five notable Nigerian women who made history in the month of July, as she won a BET award.[6]

Throughout her career, Tems has received multiple award nominations, winning two NAACP Image Awards, two BET Awards and a Soul Train Music Award.[7][8]

Early life[]

Temilade Openiyi was born on 11 June 1995 in Lagos, Nigeria.[9] Born to a Nigerian mother and a British-Nigerian father, her family moved to the United Kingdom shortly after birth. Her parents divorced when she was five. Tems relocated to Nigeria with her mother and brother, they resided in Ilupeju before moving to Lekki then Ajah.[10] Tems attended Dowen College before proceeding to study Economics in Monash South Africa, South Africa for her tertiary education.[9][11] At school, she was noticed by her music teacher and learned to play the piano. She practised singing with her brother and often used his guitar accompaniment.[12]

Career[]

2018–2021: Career beginnings and extended play's[]

In 2018, Tems quit her job to pursue a career in music. She began to learn self production skills on YouTube[11] and on 18 July 2018, she released her debut single, "Mr Rebel", a song which she produced by herself.[12] On 7 August 2019, she released the single "Try Me".[13] In 2020, DJ Edu chose her as one of "ten artists to watch" that year.[14] On 23 April 2020, Tems was featured alongside fellow Nigerian singer Davido on a reworked version of American singer-songwriter Khalid and English electronic music duo Disclosure's single, "Know Your Worth".[15]

On 25 September 2020, Tems released her debut extended play, For Broken Ears. It was produced primarily by her and the single "Damages" from the EP became another follow up hit to "Try Me", peaking at number one on the Nigerian Apple Music chart and number six on the then-newly launched TurnTable Top 50 chart and garnering five million views on YouTube. On 30 October 2020, Tems was featured on fellow Nigerian singer Wizkid's single, "Essence", from the latter's fourth studio album, Made in Lagos. The song earned her a number one spot on BBC 1Xtra Airplay Chart.[16][17] and also earned her first career entry on Billboard Hot 100 at number 9.[18] Tems won a Soul Train Music Awards,[19] two NAACP Image Awards,[20] and received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Global Music Performance.[21] On 8 November 2020, Tems was included in The Future Awards Africa: Class of 2020.[22]

On 13 August 2021, a reworked version of "Essence", which contains an additional feature from Canadian singer Justin Bieber, was released, which propelled the song to reach number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. On 3 September 2021, Tems was featured on Canadian rapper and singer Drake's song, "Fountains", from the latter's sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy, which debuted at number 26 on the Hot 100.[23][24] On 15 September 2021, Tems released her second extended play, If Orange Was a Place,after being signed to RCA records.[25] It was primarily produced by GuiltyBeatz, and the single "Crazy Tings" was released five days before and peaked at number three on the UK Afrobeats Singles Chart.[26][27] Later, Tems reached number one on the Billboard Next Big Sound chart[28] and the Billboard Emerging Artists chart.[29]

2022–present: Breakthrough[]

On 31 March 2022, Apple Music 1 Launched Leading Vibe Radio Show With Tems.[30] On 2 April, its first episode features appearance from Muyiwa Awoniyi, and Tunji Balogun.[31] On 29 April 2022, Tems was featured alongside Drake on American rapper Future's single, "Wait for U", from the latter's ninth studio album, I Never Liked You. 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.[32] The song samples the song "Higher" from For Broken Ears.[33]

In July 2022, Tems was announced as a guest artist on Beyoncé's album Renaissance[34] and covered Bob Marley's No Woman, No Cry for the upcoming Marvel movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack.[5] On 26 July, Tems gained her fourth Hot 100 with her song "Free Mind" from For Broken Ears debuted on the chart.[35]

Artistry[]

Tems' mother only allowed her to listen to Christian music when Tems was a child. Later in her teenage years, she became interested in R&B and hip hop music. She listened to Destiny's Child, Beyoncé, Lil Wayne, and Aaliyah, and covered Alicia Keys' 2004 single, "If I Ain't Got You", in a live performance. Growing up she was also interested in artists such as Burna Boy, Lauryn Hill, Adele, Coldplay, Paramore, and Asa.[10] At the age of 15, she stopped listening to other artists in search of her own identity, because "I wanted to learn how to attack a song from what I was feeling, not what Beyoncé would do or anyone else".[36] Her voice has been described as deep, velvety, and androgynous.[36][10]

Legal issues[]

On 14 December 2020, Tems was arrested alongside fellow Nigerian singer Omah Lay after they performed in a show in Uganda. The Ugandan police authority identified violation of COVID-19 lockdown protocols as the reason for their arrests, but the two artists felt they were set up.[37][38] Two days later, the Ugandan government released them, apologised for the arrests, and dropped the charges.[39]

Discography[]

Extended plays[]

List of EPs, with release date and label shown
Title EP details
For Broken Ears
  • Released: 25 September 2020
  • Label: Leading Vibes
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
If Orange Was a Place
  • Released: 15 September 2021
  • Label: Since '93, RCA
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming

Singles[]

As lead artist[]

List of singles as lead artist, with year released and album shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US
[40] 		US
R&B/HH
[41] 		US
R&B
[42] 		US World
[43]
"Mr Rebel" 2018 — — — — Non-album singles
"Looku Looku" 2019 — — — —
"Try Me" — — — —
"These Days" 2020 — — — —
"Damages" — — — — For Broken Ears
"Crazy Tings" 2021 — — — — If Orange Was a Place
"No Woman, No Cry"
(with Marvel) 		2022 — — — 1 Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
"Free Mind"[44] 46 13 4 — For Broken Ears

As featured artist[]

List of singles as featured artist, with year released, selected chart positions, certifications, and album name shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
CAN
[45] 		IRE
[46] 		NZ
[47] 		POR
[48] 		SWE
Heat.
[49] 		SWI
[50] 		UK
[51] 		US
[52] 		US
R&B/HH
[53] 		WW
[54]
"Know Your Worth"
(Khalid and Disclosure featuring Davido and Tems) 		2020 — — —[A] — — — — — — — Non-album singles
"Essence"
(Wizkid featuring Tems or also Justin Bieber) 		2021 30 41 15 108 1 95 16 9 3 28 Made in Lagos
"Wait for U"
(Future featuring Drake and Tems) 		2022 3 21 7 68 1 34 8 1 1 2 I Never Liked You
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted songs[]

List of other charted songs, with year released, selected chart positions, and album name shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
CAN
[62] 		AUS
[63] 		FRA
[64] 		POR
[48] 		SWE
Heat.
[65] 		UK
Stream.
[66] 		US
[67] 		US
R&B/HH
[68] 		US
R&B
[69] 		WW
[70]
"Fountains"
(Drake featuring Tems) 		2021 36 36 70 43 7 23 26 18 2 26 Certified Lover Boy
"Found"
(featuring Brent Faiyaz) 		— — — — — — — — 17 — If Orange Was a Place
"Move"
(Beyoncé featuring Grace Jones and Tems) 		2022 72 — — — — 76 55 22 15 53 Renaissance
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations[]

Year Award Category Nominee/work Result Ref
2019 The Headies Best Vocal Performance (Female) "Mr Rebel" Nominated [71]
Best Alternative Song Nominated
2020 City People Music Award Next Rated Artiste (Female) Herself Nominated [72][73]
The Headies Next Rated Nominated [74]
The Future Awards Africa Prize for Music Nominated [75]
2021 BET Awards Best New International Act Nominated [76][77]
MTV Africa Music Award Best Breakthrough Act Pending [78]
Net Honours Most Played Alternative Song "Damages" Won [79]
All Africa Music Awards Best Female Artist in Western Africa Herself Nominated [80][81][82]
Best African Collaboration "Essence"

(Wizkid featuring Tems)

Won
Song of the Year Won
Best Artist, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul Nominated
"Damages" Nominated
Breakout Artist of the Year Herself Nominated
African Entertainment Awards USA Best Female Artist Won [83]
Artist of the Year Nominated
Best Female Artist – Central/West Africa Nominated
Best Collaboration "Essence"

(Wizkid featuring Tems)

Won
Best Video Won
Song of the Year Won
MTV Europe Music Awards Best African Act Herself Nominated [84]
Soul Train Music Awards Best Collaboration "Essence"

(Wizkid featuring Tems)

Won [19]
Video of the Year Nominated
Song of the Year Nominated
The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award Nominated
Best New Artist Herself Nominated
Afro X Digitals Awards Pop Song of the Year (Female) "Damages" Won [85]
The Beatz Awards Songwriter of the Year Herself for "Damages" Nominated
2022 Grammy Awards Best Global Music Performance "Essence"

(Wizkid featuring Tems)

Nominated [21][86]
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding New Artist Herself Nominated [20]
Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album "Essence"

(Wizkid featuring Tems)

Won
Outstanding International Song Won
Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award Favorite Global Music Star Herself Nominated [87]
The Headies Best Vocal Performance (Female) Herself for "Essence" Nominated [88]
Best Collaboration "Essence"

(Wizkid featuring Tems)

Won
Best R&B Album If Orange Was a Place Won
Best Female Artiste Herself Won
BET Awards Best New Artist Nominated [89][90][91]
Best International Act Won
Best Collaboration "Essence"

(Wizkid featuring Tems)

Won
O2 Silver Clef Awards International Award Herself Won [92]

Notes[]

  1. ^ "Know Your Worth" did not enter the NZ Top 40 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 20 on the NZ Hot Singles Chart.[55]

References[]

  1. ^ "The sweet, arresting harmonies of Nigeria's Tems". The FADER. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b "Tems Is The First African Artist To Debut At No. 1 On The Hot 100". Uproxx. 9 May 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  3. ^ "Tems – Grammy Award". Grammy Award. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  4. ^ "Tems Signs to Since '93/RCA, Named Apple Music 'Up Next' Artist". Billboard. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b "Nigeria's Tems joins Marvelverse with "No woman No Cry" rendition - Businessday NG". businessday.ng. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  6. ^ Dada, Eniola. "Tems, Tiwa, Tobi and all the Nigerian women who made history in July". The urban5. Theurban 5. Retrieved 15 August 2022.
  7. ^ Beresford, Trilby; Coates, Tyler (27 February 2022). "2022 NAACP Image Awards: 'The Harder They Fall' Takes Best Film, Jennifer Hudson Named Entertainer of the Year". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  8. ^ Respers France, Lisa (29 November 2021). "Soul Train Awards 2021: The winners list". CNN. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b Olatunji, Mercy (18 February 2021). "Full biography of Nigerian singer Tems and other facts about her". DNB Stories Africa. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  10. ^ Jump up to: a b c "The sweet, arresting harmonies of Nigeria's Tems". The Fader. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b "Tems interview: Nigerian music's biggest new star". The Face. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b "Native Exclusive: How Tems Triumphs after "Mr Rebel"". The Native. 23 October 2018. Retrieved 5 May 2020.
  13. ^ "Interview: Tems Is On a Mission to Take Over". OkayAfrica. 6 February 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2020.
  14. ^ "Rema". OkayAfrica. 6 February 2020. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  15. ^ "Khalid Recruits Davido and Tems on New Single 'Know Your Worth (Remix)'". OkayAfrica. 23 April 2020. Retrieved 4 May 2020.
  16. ^ "BBC 1Xtra Airplay Chart". ukairplaychart.com. Retrieved 30 January 2021.
  17. ^ "The Essence of Wizkid and Tems". Mp3chord.com. Retrieved 10 April 2021.
  18. ^ "Wizkid's Essence Enters Hot 100 Shoutout to Good Music Lovers Everywhere". Billboard. 15 July 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  19. ^ Jump up to: a b "H.E.R. Is Top Nominee at 2021 Soul Train Awards; Maxwell & Ashanti to Receive Special Awards: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  20. ^ Jump up to: a b Spivey, Kemberlie (19 January 2022). "2022 NAACP Image Awards Nominations: The Full List". Forbes. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  21. ^ Jump up to: a b "Wizkid, Burnaboy, oda Nigerian artists wey dey 2022 Grammy nomination". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  22. ^ "The Future Awards Africa: Class of 2020". The Future Awards Africa. 8 November 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  23. ^ Espinoza, Joshua (2 September 2021). "Drake Reveals 'Certified Lover Boy' Album Features on Billboards". Complex. Retrieved 2 September 2021.
  24. ^ "Tems to feature on Drake's CLB album". Pulse Nigeria. 2 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  25. ^ "Singer, Tems: Biography, Age, Parents, Boyfriend, Net Worth and Source of Wealth". 27 June 2022.
  26. ^ "Tems shares new EP If Orange Was A Place". The FADER. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  27. ^ "Tems' 'Found' with Brent Faiyaz Hits New Peak on the UK Afrobeats Chart". NotjustOk. 27 September 2021. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  28. ^ "Tems Claims Number One Spot on Billboard Next Big Sound Chart". Arise News. 19 May 2021. Retrieved 2 October 2021.
  29. ^ Zellner, Xander (8 June 2022). "Tems Tops Emerging Artists Chart for First Time, Chase McDaniel & Dehd Debut in Top 10". Billboard. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
  30. ^ Rys, Dan (31 March 2022). "Apple Music 1 Launches New 'Leading Vibe Radio' Show With Tems". Billboard. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  31. ^ Courage, Onyema (2 May 2022). "Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun joins Leading Vibe Radio with Tems". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  32. ^ Trust, Gary (9 May 2022). "Future, Drake & Tems' 'Wait For U' Debuts at No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  33. ^ Reeves, Mosi (29 April 2022). "Future is a Platinum-Encrusted Antihero on 'I Never Liked You'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 3 May 2022.
  34. ^ "Beyoncé Announces Release Date for New 16-Song Project 'Renaissance'". Complex. Retrieved 27 July 2022.
  35. ^ @billboardcharts (25 July 2022). "@temsbaby's "Free Mind" debuts at No. 90 on this week's #Hot100" (Tweet). Retrieved 26 July 2022 – via Twitter.
  36. ^ Jump up to: a b "Artist to watch: 5 things to know about Tems". gq.co.za. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  37. ^ "Why Uganda Police do U-turn for Omah Lay release, tie am 'handcuffs'". BBC News Pidgin. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  38. ^ "Nigerian star Omah Lay arrested after Uganda gig". Vanguard (Nigeria). 14 December 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  39. ^ Paulinus, Aidoghie (16 December 2020). "Uganda apologises to FG over arrest of singer Omah Lay, others". The Sun (Nigeria). Retrieved 15 June 2021.
  40. ^ "Billboard Hot 100: October 15, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  41. ^ "Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs: October 1, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 27 September 2022.
  42. ^ "Billboard Hot R&B Songs: August 6, 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 2 August 2022.
  43. ^ "World Digital Song Sales". Billboard. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  44. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases | R&B Song and Hip-Hop Music Release Dates".
  45. ^ Peaks on the Canadian Hot 100 chart:
  46. ^ "Discography Tems". irish-charts.com. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
  47. ^ "Discography Tems". charts.nz. Hung Medien. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  48. ^ Jump up to: a b "Tems Discography". portuguesecharts.com. Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  49. ^ Peaks on the Sweden Heatseeker chart:
  50. ^ "Tems Discography". swisscharts.com. Retrieved 9 May 2022.
  51. ^ Peaks on the UK Singles Chart:
  52. ^ Peaks on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart:
  53. ^ Peaks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart:
  54. ^ Peaks on the Billboard Global 200 chart:
  55. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 4 May 2020. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
  56. ^ Jump up to: a b "British certifications – Tems". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved 4 October 2022. Type Tems in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  57. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Wizkid – Essence". Music Canada. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  58. ^ Jump up to: a b "American single certifications – Tems – Essence". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  59. ^ "New Zealand Single Certification －Wizkid －Essence". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  60. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2022 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  61. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Future feat. Drake & Tems – Wait for U". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 15 July 2022.
  62. ^ Peaks on the Canadian Hot 100 chart:
  63. ^ "Discography Tems". australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  64. ^ "Discographie Tems". lescharts.com. Hung Medien. Retrieved 13 September 2021.
  65. ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 8". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  66. ^ "Official Audio Streaming Chart". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 September 2021.
  67. ^ Peaks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart:
  68. ^ Peaks on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart:
  69. ^ Peaks on the Hot R&B Songs chart:
  70. ^ Peaks on the Billboard Global 200 chart:
  71. ^ "Headies 2019: Here are all the winners at the 13th edition of music award". Pulse Nigeria. 20 October 2019. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  72. ^ "#CPMA2020: Citypeople releases nominations for 2020 Music Awards". City People Magazine. 30 November 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  73. ^ "Winners Emerge At 2020 City People Music Awards [Full List]". City People Magazine. 7 December 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  74. ^ "Live Update: All The Winners At The Headies 2020". The Guardian. 21 February 2021. Retrieved 25 February 2021.
  75. ^ Obi-Young, Otosirieze (9 November 2020). "The Future Awards Africa 2020 Announces 145 Nominees in 20 Categories". Folio. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  76. ^ "2021 BET Awards: Full list of winners and nominees". CBS News. Retrieved 29 June 2021.
  77. ^ Unamaka, Sampson (8 June 2021). "Nigerian singer Tems clinches 2021 BET Awards nomination". The Nation (Nigeria). Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  78. ^ "See the Full List of 2021 #MTVMAMA Nominees including Tems, Omah Lay and Rema!". BellaNaija. 9 December 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2021.
  79. ^ Mofijesusewa, Samuel (20 June 2021). "NET Honours 2021: "Damages" by Tems Named Most Played Alternative Song". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  80. ^ "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music in Africa. 23 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  81. ^ Obey, Yinka (25 November 2021). "AFRIMA 2021: Wizkid, Iba One win big, Manjeru makes history, full list of winner". Legit.ng – Nigeria news. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  82. ^ "2021 AFRIMA Awards – See Full Winners List". tooXclusive. 22 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
  83. ^ "Wizkid wins five awards at 2021 AEAUSA". The Nation Newspaper. 28 December 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
  84. ^ "Wizkid Wins Best African Act At MTV EMA 2021". The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News. 15 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
  85. ^ "Afrodigital Award winners". AfroxDigital.com.
  86. ^ "2022 Grammy Awards: Wizkid, Femi Kuti, Burna Boy, Tems nominated". Vanguard News. 3 April 2022. Retrieved 4 April 2022.
  87. ^ "Kids' Choice Awards Nominees: See Who's Up for Favorite Actor, Actress and Movie | Entertainment Tonight". www.etonline.com. Retrieved 7 May 2022.
  88. ^ "2022 Headies Full List Nominees". Vanguard News. 24 May 2022. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  89. ^ "BET Awards 2022 Nominees Announced". BET. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  90. ^ "Tems wins Best International Act at BET Awards 2022". Vanguard News. 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  91. ^ "BET Awards: Tems wins 2022 Best International Act". Punch Newspapers. 27 June 2022. Retrieved 27 June 2022.
  92. ^ "Tems wins "International Award" at the o2 Silver Clef Awards by Nordoff Robbins". BellaNaija. 1 July 2022. Retrieved 4 July 2022.

External links[]

Retrieved from ""