The talented singer, Tems, is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about artists in the music industry. With her unique sound, captivating lyrics and soulful voice, she has made a big impression on both fans and critics alike. Her latest album, For Broken Ears, debuted at #1 on the Billboard Reggae Albums Chart and has been praised for its innovative production and masterful songwriting. The album has also earned her nominations for Best New Artist and Best Reggae Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
Who is Tems?
Tems is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has taken the music industry by storm. Born Temilade Openiyi, Tems began performing as a youngster and went on to study music production and audio engineering in college. She released her debut EP, For Broken Ears, in 2019, which quickly became an underground hit and earned her recognition in the industry. Since then, she has released several singles and collaborated with some of the best names in the music industry, such as Wizkid and Oxlade.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems was exposed to music from a young age. Her father was a saxophone player and she often performed with him at local gigs. This not only provided her with an early foundation for her musical career, but also shaped her unique sound. She eventually went on to study music production and audio engineering in college, which further refined her skills as an artist.
Tems’ passion for music began at an early age, when she would often perform with her father as a young girl. She enjoyed the feeling of being on stage and developed a love for music that only continued to grow as she got older. As she matriculated through college, her passion further blossomed and she began experimenting with different sounds and styles to create her own unique sound. After college, she fully committed to her music career and released her debut EP, For Broken Ears, in 2019. The album was an underground hit and earned her recognition in the industry.
Tems’ career has been marked by several significant milestones and experiences that have helped to shape her into the artist she is today. In addition to her debut EP, For Broken Ears, Tems has released a string of successful singles such as “Try Me”, “Mr Rebel” and “Damages”. She also collaborated with some of the best names in the industry, such as Wizkid and Oxlade. Furthermore, she has earned numerous awards and accolades for her music, including nominations for Best New Artist and Best Reggae Album at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
Musical Style and Influences
Tems’ music is a blend of alternative R&B, soul, and reggae. Her sound is unique in that it combines elements from different genres to create an eclectic mix of music that has earned her a dedicated fan base. She often incorporates classic elements of reggae with modern production techniques to craft her own sound that is both timeless and fresh. Additionally, her lyrics are often emotionally charged and have a strong message of resilience and self-empowerment.
Tems’ sound is heavily inspired by the music of her native Nigeria, as well as other forms of African music. She often incorporates traditional Nigerian sounds and instruments into her production, which creates a unique blend of genres that is both modern and timeless. Additionally, she has also been influenced by artists such as Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Fela Kuti. These artists have inspired her to create music that is both profound and meaningful.
Tems’ unique sound has made her stand out in the music industry. She combines classic reggae elements with modern production techniques to craft her own sound that is both timeless and fresh. Additionally, she often incorporates traditional Nigerian sounds and instruments into her production, which adds another layer of depth to her music. Her lyrics are also emotionally charged and often feature themes of self-empowerment and resilience. All these elements come together to create a sound that is both captivating and unique, making her stand out from the crowd.
Breakout Success and Notable Achievements
Tems’ career has been marked by several breakout songs and albums that have helped to propel her to the top of the industry. Her debut EP, For Broken Ears, was an underground hit and earned her recognition in the music industry. Following this success, she released a string of notable singles such as “Try Me”, “Mr Rebel” and “Damages”. These songs have been streamed millions of times and have helped to build her following. Additionally, she has collaborated with some of the best names in the industry such as Wizkid and Oxlade.
Tems’ musical contributions have been widely recognized in the industry, earning her a number of awards and accolades. She was nominated for Best New Artist at the 2020 Grammy Awards and won the award for Best Reggae Album at the 2020 AFRIMA Awards. Additionally, she was also nominated for Best New Artist and Best Reggae Album at the 2020 NAACP Image Awards. Furthermore, she has been recognized by the BBC as one of the top female artists in Africa and was also named one of “100 Amazing Women in Music” by Billboard Magazine.
Tems has collaborated with numerous renowned artists over the course of her career, which has had a major impact on her success. She has worked with some of the biggest names in music such as Wizkid, Oxlade, Adekunle Gold and Burna Boy. These collaborations have helped to increase her fan base and gain recognition in the industry. Additionally, she has also collaborated with some of the best producers and musicians in the industry, which has helped her to refine her sound and gain creative inspiration.
Impact and legacy
Tems has had a major influence on the music industry and her impact has been felt far and wide. She has helped to shape the current Nigerian music scene with her unique blend of traditional African sounds and modern production techniques. Her music has opened up many possibilities for other artists, as she demonstrated that it is possible to combine different genres and cultures in order to create something fresh and unique. Additionally, her lyrics often feature themes of self-empowerment and resilience and have resonated with many people in Nigeria and beyond.
Tems’ music has had a profound impact on her fans and listeners, both nationally and internationally. Her music resonates with many people as it is unique yet timeless, featuring elements of traditional African sounds combined with modern production techniques. Additionally, her emotionally charged lyrics often feature themes of self-empower ment and resilience, which has resonated with many people both in Nigeria and around the world. Furthermore, her success as an independent artist has also been inspiring, demonstrating that it is possible to achieve success without relying on major labels.
The future looks bright for Tems. With her unique sound, emotionally charged lyrics, and inspiring story of success as an independent artist, it is clear that she has the potential to have a long-lasting legacy in the music industry. Her work has already had a major impact on both fans and other artists alike and her influence is only likely to grow as she continues to release new music.
Conclusion
Tems has achieved tremendous success and recognition in a very short period of time, and is well on her way to becoming one of the most iconic artists in Nigerian music. Her unique sound, captivating lyrics and soulful voice have made her stand out amongst her peers, while her ambitious collaborations with other renowned artists have only widened her appeal. With each subsequent release, Tems continues to prove that she is a force to be reckoned with, and will no doubt continue to have a lasting impact on the industry for years to come.
