Temilade Openiyi, a Nigerian artist, is revered for her mastery of the alternative music genre if you appreciate that kind of music.
Although popular pop and alternative music are rather different from one another, Temilade, who performs under the stage name Tems, captures the spirit of the latter with her inventiveness.
Fans of the female act have followed her since her debut in 2018, particularly because she has made waves in Alternate Music, a genre that has previously been controlled by her male rivals.
Once more, the rapidly rising Tems is gifted in many areas. She maintains her position as a talented record producer, performer, and songwriter of alternative R&B from Nigeria.
The “cool lady,” who actually is, started making music at the age of 20, and in 2018 she launched her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” which immediately established her as one of Nigeria’s most promising musical voices.
She released the track “Looku Looku” in 2019 following the success of another record, proving to music critics that she is a budding talent.
Once more, in August 2019, the innovative performer and Lagos Island native dropped “Try Me,” another blockbuster tune that cemented her distinctive alternative R&B and neo-soul sound and sparked interest around the world.
Tems didn’t sit on her laurels and released the first single from her debut EP (extended play), “For Broken Ears,” on September 18, 2020. The video for the song was released on September 24, 2020, and the EP as a whole was released on September 25, 2020, across all platforms.
As anticipated, her persistent efforts quickly brought her popular notoriety and recognition throughout her nascent career.
Additionally, her musical endeavors have received great viewership and a significant social media following. She received praise and adoration from various sources, including the American online music magazine Pitchfork, which stated, “She is a star and every single makes this reality more evident.”
Tems has, of course, worked with a variety of musicians, including Wizkid, Khalid, Show Dem Camp, Lady Donli, Drake, Justin Bieber, DRB Lasgidi, and Odunsi (the engine).
The young singer, songwriter, and producer isn’t hesitant to display her alternative R&B sounds, a fusion of neo-soul and colors of home with traditional Nigerian sounds, considering the over three million views on her body of work and accolades from international musical authorities.
She shines through with new sounds that are reflections of alternative R&B, Neo-soul, and a dash of the traditional Nigerian flavour, as you will hear if you listen to her songs regularly.
For instance, her number-one single, “Damages,” had sounds that are both wonderfully personal and universal in scope.
Tems embraced youth culture in the track, which was created by Spax, incorporating drums and instrumentals and making it simple to listen to for all music listeners.
With “For Broken,” she improved her musical production abilities.
But Tems will always remember June 26, 2022. It was her big day as she became the first female best international act at the 2022 Bet Awards, making history.
The award, which celebrated talent and culture from all over the world on June 26, 2022, at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, US, is an annual gathering place for black culture and entertainment.
Tems was named the winner in two of the three categories in which she was nominated, Best International Act, Best Collaboration, and Best New Artiste. The multi-genre diva defeated British rap artist Major League DJZ, South African sensation Major League DJZ, and Nigerian contemporary Fireboy DML to become the first African woman to win the Best International Award on Sunday.
She expressed her gratitude after receiving her prize by saying, “Thank you so much. This is my first award that demonstrates that I am winning anything, thus it is an honor. Along with music giants Wizkid and Justin Bieber, the 27-year-old also took home the Best Collaboration Award for their work on the worldwide chart-topper “Essence.”
In response to a comment about her music, she said, “The world is in a really terrible position right now, and I realize the role music plays in it. For Broken Ears was created for therapeutic purposes. Because of what people have heard throughout the years, many brains have been damaged, but I hope this EP provides a path to real purification.
Her work has so far resulted her nominations for “Best Alternative Song” and
At the 2019 Headies awards, “Best Vocal Performance” won.
With fantastic rhythms and performances this year and in the years to follow, she aspires to have a greater impact on the Nigerian music business and thrill her fans.
Tems is anxious to breach additional barriers, so keep an eye out for her.
