Tems
Tems is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer known for merging Afrobeat rhythms with R&B and pop, anchored by her soulful voice and introspective songwriting. She was born Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. She rose to international prominence through collaborations with Wizkid on "Essence" and Drake on "Fountains," tracks that played a key role in introducing Afrobeat to mainstream global audiences. Her music distinctively blends traditional African percussion with sleek, contemporary production, establishing her as a leading voice in modern African pop. Fans return to Tems for her ability to convey emotional depth through minimalist arrangements and raw vocal delivery, which set her apart in the Afropop scene. Her influence extends beyond her own releases, inspiring emerging artists to incorporate authentic African musical elements into global pop and R&B. Tems’s collaborations often become cultural moments, reflecting her growing impact on the sound and direction of contemporary music worldwide.
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J. Cole's 'The Fall-Off' Album: Features and Production Credits
According to Cole, his latest album was “made with intentions” to be his last.
Tems Responds to Fan Asking Why She Won't Return to Uganda
In 2020, the Nigerian singer was jailed in Uganda after violating COVID-19 social distancing rules during a performance.
Justin Bieber's 'SWAG II' Album: Features and Production Credits
For his second album of 2025, Bieber enlists Lil B and more.
Tems Gives Her Man Back to the Streets in "Boy O Boy" Video
The singer literally laid her love interest on the pavement in the music video.
John Legend Marks 20 Years of 'Get Lifted' With Expanded Deluxe
The Grammy-winning 2004 album featured production by Ye.
Tems’ Debut Album, ‘Born In The Wild’, Has Finally Arrived
The Nigerian star’s highly-anticipated, 18-track offering features J. Cole and Asake, with production from the likes of GuiltyBeatz, P2J and more.
Tems’ Backside Wows Photographer Who Yells ‘Holy Smokes’ During Red Carpet
The sight of Tems was too hot for one photographer to handle during the Billboard Women in Music 2024 in Hollywood.
Tems and Manager Slam ATL Jacob’s Claim Drake Had to Step in to Clear “Wait for U” Sample: ‘Clearly Clueless’
"Stop telling lies," Tems told the producer. "I’ll give you 1 million.”
Barack Obama Shares His Favorite Music of 2023 Featuring Megan Thee Stallion, Tyla, Brent Faiyaz, and More
When asked by Hasan Minhaj if Obama "really" listens to the music on his playlists, the former president said, "I do."
Tems Looks Back on Spending Two Nights in Ugandan Prison: 'That Was So Scary'
The Nigerian singer was jailed in Uganda in 2020 after a performance for breaking COVID-19 social distancing regulations.
Tems Seemingly Responds to Rumors She’s Pregnant With Future’s Child: ‘You People Are All Mad'
The 28-year-old Nigerian singer has been the subject of rumors this week suggesting that she is pregnant, and it seems she is responding, although nothing has been confirmed.
Tems Opens Up to Kendrick Lamar About Navigating Pressures of Success: ‘It’s Like Being In a Zoo’
In a conversation with Kendrick Lamar, the Oscar-nominated singer speaks candidly about her creative process and the importance of "trusting yourself."
Watch Rihanna’s Oscars 2023 Performance of “Lift Me Up” From ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
The track was joined in this year's Best Original Song category by fellow nominees “Applause,” “Hold My Hand,” “Naatu Naatu,” and “This Is a Life.”
The Best Songs of 2022
Here are Complex's picks for the 50 best songs of 2022, from Vince Staples & Mustard's "Magic" to Central Cee's "Doja" and SZA's "Low," plus more.