Temilade Openiyi — known globally as Tems — is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer who became the first female Nigerian artist to win a Grammy Award. With multiple Grammys, an Oscar nomination, and brand deals worth millions, Tems’ net worth is estimated at $8 million as of 2026.
| Full Name | Temilade Openiyi |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 11, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old (2026) |
| Birthplace | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Net Worth | $8 Million (2026) |
| Grammy Awards | Multiple (first Nigerian woman to win) |
| Known For | “Essence” (ft. Wizkid), “Free Mind”, “Lift Me Up” |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tems
What is Tems’ net worth in 2026?
Tems’ net worth is estimated at approximately $8 million as of 2026. Her income streams include music streaming royalties, international touring, Grammy Award recognition, brand endorsement deals with OMEGA and Hennessy (worth $1–3 million annually combined), and songwriting royalties from her collaborations with major artists.
How did Tems get famous?
Tems first gained significant attention with her 2020 self-released single “Mr Rebel,” which went viral in Nigeria. Her international breakthrough came when Wizkid featured her on “Essence” — the song became a global Afrobeats phenomenon and later received a Justin Bieber remix, introducing her to audiences in the US and Europe. She subsequently collaborated with Future and Drake on “Wait for U,” which became a massive hit and earned her a Grammy Award.
How many Grammys has Tems won?
As of 2026, Tems is the first Nigerian artist to win multiple Grammy Awards. She won Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U” (with Future and Drake) at the 2023 Grammys, becoming the first female Nigerian Grammy winner. She later won Best African Music Performance for “Love Me JeJe” at the 67th Grammy Awards — cementing her historic status in the Nigerian music industry.
Was Tems nominated for an Oscar?
Yes. Tems co-wrote and performed background vocals for Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up,” the tribute song for Chadwick Boseman from the Marvel film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The song earned a nomination for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards — a remarkable achievement that extended Tems’ impact well beyond the music industry.
What are Tems’ biggest songs?
“Essence” featuring Wizkid (with a Justin Bieber remix) remains her most commercially successful song globally. “Free Mind,” “Higher,” “Wait for U” (with Future and Drake), “Lift Me Up” (from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), and “Love Me JeJe” are among her most celebrated tracks. Her debut album Born in the Wild debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 — the highest debut for a Nigerian female solo artist.
How old is Tems?
Tems was born on June 11, 1995, making her 30 years old as of 2026. She grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, and began developing her musical talent from a young age before launching her career independently in 2018.
Is Tems signed to a major label?
Yes. After initially releasing music independently, Tems signed with RCA Records (a Sony Music subsidiary) in 2021. The deal gave her major label distribution and marketing support while she retained significant creative control. Her global management and label partnerships have helped her secure brand deals with luxury brands including OMEGA and Hennessy.
What brand deals does Tems have?
Tems has secured major endorsement deals with OMEGA (the Swiss luxury watchmaker) and Hennessy, both of which are estimated to be worth $1–3 million annually combined. These deals reflect her growing status as a global fashion and culture icon beyond the music industry, and represent an increasingly important part of her income portfolio.
Net Worth Breakdown
| Income Source | Estimated Amount | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music Streaming & Sales | $800K–$1.5M/year | Annual (personal) | Royalties from Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube after label split |
| International Touring | $1–2M/year | Annual (personal) | US, Europe, Africa; personal take after production and management |
| Brand Endorsements (OMEGA, Hennessy) | $1–3M/year | Annual (personal) | Luxury brand partnership fees, appearances, and campaigns |
| Songwriting Royalties | $300–600K/year | Annual (personal) | Co-writing credits on major collaborations including “Lift Me Up” |
| Awards & Recognition Bonuses | Variable | One-time (personal) | Grammy performance and nomination bonuses from label |
| Estimated Total Net Worth | $8 Million (2026) | ||
Career Overview
Born Temilade Openiyi in Lagos on June 11, 1995, Tems displayed an early passion for music, teaching herself to play guitar and write songs as a teenager. After completing her education, she launched her music career independently in 2018, releasing tracks that combined Afrobeats with R&B, soul, and alternative influences. Her 2020 single “Mr Rebel” and its accompanying EP For Broken Ears caught the attention of major industry figures.
The 2021 collaboration with Wizkid on “Essence” changed Tems’ career trajectory permanently. The Justin Bieber remix brought the song to global mainstream audiences, and from that point forward Tems was no longer a rising African star — she was an international name. Her 2022 debut studio album and subsequent releases have demonstrated both commercial appeal and artistic depth, earning her critical comparisons to Whitney Houston, Sade, and Lauryn Hill.
Early Life
Tems was raised in Lagos, Nigeria, the daughter of a Nigerian father and a British-Nigerian mother. Her upbringing exposed her to a diverse range of musical influences — from gospel to R&B to traditional Nigerian music. She describes herself as largely self-taught as a musician, and credits her songwriting instinct to early exposure to artists like Erykah Badu and D’Angelo.
She completed her secondary education in Lagos and briefly studied economics before committing fully to music. Unlike many of her contemporaries who grew up dreaming of mainstream pop success, Tems has spoken about her more introspective, alternative influences — which give her music a distinctive emotional depth that sets her apart in the Afrobeats landscape.
Personal Life
Tems is known for keeping her personal life largely out of the public eye. She lives between Lagos and London, and has spoken in interviews about the challenges of navigating global fame while maintaining personal authenticity. Her fashion choices — often experimental, mixing Nigerian traditional garments with high fashion — have made her a style icon as well as a music star. She is not publicly known to be in a relationship as of 2026.
Little-Known Facts
- Tems is the first female Nigerian artist to win a Grammy Award and the first Nigerian to win multiple Grammys.
- Her debut album Born in the Wild debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 — the highest for a Nigerian female solo artist.
- She co-wrote and sang on Rihanna’s Oscar-nominated “Lift Me Up” from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
- Tems was largely self-taught as a guitarist and began writing songs in her bedroom as a teenager.
- She has cited Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and Lauryn Hill as primary musical inspirations.
