Temilade Openiyi, who goes by the stage name Tems, is a Nigerian artist, Grammy Award winner, songwriter, and record producer. Her distinctive voice, emotive lyrics, and impressive range make her a remarkable artist, solidifying her status as one of the most promising talents in contemporary music.
Her breakthrough came when she collaborated with Wizkid on the 2020 track “Essence,” reaching number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 after the remix featuring Justin Bieber was released.
The track garnered her a Grammy Award nomination. In that same year, she collaborated with Canadian Rapper Drake on the song “Fountains.”
The 29 year old singer has been credited for several singles and features. Even though she doesn’t have a full album released yet, Tems has received many accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Billboard Women in Music Award, four NAACP Image Awards, three BET Awards and three Soul Train Music Awards.
In this article, we’ve curated some of Tems’ standout releases, encompassing her solo work and featured appearances ahead of her debut album release.
Singer Tems’ Greatest Hits & Top Collaborations
- ESSENCE
Release Date: 30 October 2020
“Essence” is a track by Nigerian artist Wizkid, featuring fellow Nigerian singer Tems. It serves as the fourth single from Wizkid’s fourth studio album, “Made in Lagos.”
Accolades Earned:
The track was nominated for Best Global Music Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards.
It also won the best collaboration and Song Of The Year at the African Entertainment Awards USA. Essence is one of Tems top collaborations in her career, paving the way to international fame.
- ME & U
Release Date: 5 October 2023
Me & U was a solo release by Tems. The song was Written and produced by both GuiltyBeatz and Tems, It marks her first solo body of work since her extended play If Orange Was a Place (2021).
Accolades Earned:
“Me & U” received an award for Outstanding International Song at the 55th NAACP Image Awards.
The song also made its mark in the United States, reaching No. 10 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart. From her career a solo singer, Me & U is a track known as Tems greatest hits of 2021.
- WAIT FOR U
Release Date: May 3, 2022
Wait for U is a song by American Rapper Future featuring Canadian rapper and singer Drake and Nigerian singer Tems. It was sent to rhythmic contemporary radio as the second single from Future’s ninth studio album, “I Never Liked You”.
“Wait for U” is an R&B track that delves into the sometimes toxic dynamics of romantic relationships through its lyrics.
Accolades Earned:
The song won the Favorite Hip-Hop Song category at the American Music Awards.
It also won the Best Collaboration Award at the BET Hip-Hop Awards.
The song debuted at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
- HIGHER
Release Date: September 25, 2020
Higher was released through Leading Vibes as the fifth track from Tems debut extended play, For Broken Ears. It was produced by Tems alongside Tejiri Akpoghene.
Tems included the song in her debut EP and showcased her talent on the Genius show, Open Mic, delivering a live acoustic performance of the track in 2021.
Accolades Earned:
Higher was certified Gold both in the United States and Canada.
- FREE MIND
Release Date: 25 September 2020
Free Mind first appeared as the third track on Tems’s first extended play, “For Broken Ears.” Tems co-wrote and co-produced the song with Omeiza.
On April 2, 2022, the song debuted in the then newly introduced Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart at the fifth position.
Accolades Earned:
Free Mind peaked at number 1 on the US Afrobeats chart in late June, and in October 2022, the song reached number 46 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The song was certified platinum and Gold in the United States and Canada respectively.
IMAGE CREDITS: Tems
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