Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, has expressed her satisfaction with her achievements in the music industry, stating that she has surpassed her initial targets. During a recent interactive session with fans on X, a fan inquired about her current aspirations and whether she had achieved her pre-stardom dreams. Tems responded by saying she is looking forward to whatever the future holds and has achieved beyond her dreams since leaving her 9-5 job as a digital marketer in January 2018.
Tems began her music career after quitting her job, releasing her debut single ‘Mr Rabel’ later that year, which gained some media attention. Her breakthrough came in 2020 when she was featured on Wizkid’s single ‘Essence’, which peaked at number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart after the release of the remix version with Justin Bieber. This collaboration marked a significant turning point in her career, leading to further recognition and accolades.
In 2023, Tems made history by becoming the first female Afrobeats artist to win a Grammy Award, courtesy of her collaboration with Future and Drake on ‘Wait For U’, which won the Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards. Her success continued in 2025 when she won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, making her the only Nigerian artist with multiple Grammy Awards. Additionally, Tems earned Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for co-writing Rihanna’s ‘Lift Me Up’.
Tems’ achievements underscore her rapid rise to prominence in the music industry, with her unique sound and collaborations contributing to her success. As she continues to look forward to the future, her accomplishments serve as a testament to her hard work and dedication to her craft. With multiple Grammy Awards and nominations for other prestigious awards, Tems has solidified her position as a leading figure in the music industry, both in Nigeria and internationally.
