“It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are.” — E.E. Cummings
Becoming isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s a quiet decision to stop hiding, to stop shrinking, and to choose growth, even when no one is watching.
For Temilade Openiyi, known globally as Tems, that decision meant walking away from a 9-to-5 job and stepping into the unknown. No fame. No safety net. Just a voice, a conviction, and a calling she couldn’t ignore.
Today, she stands as one of Africa’s most influential voices. But her story isn’t just about music. It’s about believing in your difference, growing in the dark, and rising on your own terms.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems was raised by her mother after her parents separated. She attended Dowen College and later earned a degree in Economics from the University of Johannesburg, Monash, South Africa.
At age 17, she wrote her first song, a moment that marked the beginning of a lifelong relationship with music. While she thrived academically, music became her private escape, a space where she could fully express her truth.
Leaving the Office for Purpose
Tems began her career in digital marketing, working a regular 9-to-5 job. But deep down, she knew she was called to create. In 2018, she made a defining choice to quit her job and pursue music full-time.
Without connections or major backing, she taught herself to produce music using YouTube tutorials. She recorded from her bedroom, driven by a voice no one had heard, but she believed in it anyway
Breakthrough Moments (2018–2020)
In 2018, she released “Mr Rebel”, her debut single which introduced audiences to her distinctive sound – a blend of alternative R&B and soul rooted in Afrobeat. Her next single, “Try Me” (2019), became a breakout hit across Nigeria, earning her recognition as a rising star in the alté scene.
But her turning point came in 2020, when she featured on Wizkid’s “Essence.” The song became a global hit, earning critical acclaim and becoming the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems’ voice was suddenly everywhere, but she had been preparing for this moment long before the spotlight.
Global Recognition and Grammy Success (2021–2023)
Tems released her second EP, “If Orange Was a Place”, in 2021, featuring the hit “Crazy Tings.” That same year, she collaborated with Drake and Future on “Wait For U,” which earned her a Grammy Award in 2023.
She also co-wrote “Lift Me Up” for Rihanna on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, showcasing her writing as well as vocal depth.
In 2024, she dropped her debut studio album, Born in the Wild, which showcased singles like “Love Me JeJe” and “Burning”, both nominated at the 2025 Grammys. Then, in February 2025, Tems secured her second Grammy, winning Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe”
She has received multiple awards and nominations, including BET Awards, MTV Europe Music Awards, and the Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Award.
Staying Grounded in Purpose
Tems’ influence is not only in her sound but in her stand. She refuses to conform, choosing creative freedom over commercial pressure. Her music speaks from a place of depth, and her story speaks to anyone who’s ever felt unseen, unsure, or unqualified.
She once said, “God told me I am great.” And she lived like it, before the world ever confirmed it.
Final Reflection
Tems didn’t rise by chasing trends, she rose by trusting her process. She chose purpose over pressure, and in doing so, found her voice and gave others permission to find theirs.
Her story reminds us: you don’t need fame to be faithful or applause to make an impact. What you need is the courage to begin, the patience to grow, and the strength to stay true.
This week, trust your process. Stay grounded in purpose. And when your time comes, rise—boldly, fully, and with intention.
