PM NEWS
Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems has become a trailblazer in the global music scene, marking a historic achievement as the second Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy.
From her groundbreaking collaborations with international stars to her record-breaking chart successes, Tems has consistently pushed the boundaries of African music.
In this feature, we dive into 15 astonishing facts about her remarkable rise to stardom and the milestones that have made her a force to be reckoned with in the music world.
1. Grammy Nominee and Winner: Tems received a Grammy nomination for her collaboration on Wizkid’s “Essence” and won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on Future’s “Wait for U.”
2. Billboard Hot 100 Success: She became the first African artist to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 with Future’s “Wait for U,” which also topped the chart alongside Drake.
3. Global Recognition: In 2022, her song “Free Mind” broke the female record for the longest charting number one song on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.
4. Rising Star of 2020: Tems rose to international fame with her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence,” which earned her a spot on global music charts and critical acclaim.
5. Collaborations with Legends: She has worked with major artists such as Wizkid, Drake, Future, and Rihanna, contributing to hits like “Essence,” “Fountains,” and “Lift Me Up.”
6. “No Woman, No Cry” Cover: In 2022, she covered Bob Marley’s iconic song for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack, gaining widespread attention for her rendition.
7. Debut EP Success: Her debut extended play For Broken Ears (2020) received widespread acclaim and set the stage for her global breakthrough.
8. Multiple Award-Winner: Tems has received several prestigious accolades, including two Grammy Awards, four BET Awards, four NAACP Image Awards, and three Soul Train Music Awards.
9. Record-Breaking Artist: With the release of her debut studio album Born in the Wild in 2024, she reached the top 30 charts in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
10. Pioneering African Talent: She is the first Nigerian artist to earn multiple Grammy Awards, solidifying her status as a trailblazer in the global music industry.
11. International Impact: Her single “Essence” became a global anthem, reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, further elevating African music worldwide.
12. Impressive Songwriting Talent: Tems is not only a talented vocalist but also an accomplished songwriter, contributing to some of her biggest hits and co-writing Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up.”
13. Chart-Topping Collaborations: She was featured on Drake’s track “Fountains,” which further solidified her place in the international music scene.
14. Breaking New Ground: In 2022, Tems made history by becoming the second Nigerian artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 after Burna Boy, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian music.
15. Versatility in Genres: Tems has proven her versatility across multiple genres, from Afrobeat to R&B, hip-hop, and pop, earning her a reputation as a genre-blending artist.
THIS STORY FIRST APPEARED IN PM NEWS
Connect with us on our socials: