Anebi
Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, is officially 30 years old. What a journey it has been for the soulful Nigerian singer who has become a global music icon in less than a decade.
Born in Lagos in 1995, Tems burst onto the scene in 2019 with her heartfelt anthem “Try Me,” which instantly positioned her as a unique voice in Nigerian music. But that was just the beginning. In recent times, she has collaborated with the biggest names in global music, from Wizkid to Drake, Beyoncé, and Future.
To mark her 30th birthday, Tems hosted a private celebration in Lagos, attended by celebrities, close friends, and industry icons. Fans worldwide also joined in the celebration on social media, using hashtags like #TemsAt30 and #QueenOfSoul to pay tribute to her artistry and influence.
Tems achievements are as impressive as they are groundbreaking as apart from being the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy Award, she has also being honored for her contribution to Future’s Wait For U and her voice has become a bridge between Afrobeats and R&B.
This year, Tems is expected to release her highly anticipated second studio album, rumored to include features from Burna Boy, J. Cole, and H.E.R. Music lovers around the globe are waiting to see how Tems will evolve yet again.
What sets Tems apart is not just her music, but her message. In an industry often dominated by trends, Tems has carved a lane that’s soulful, introspective, and authentic. She often speaks about vulnerability, womanhood, and spirituality through her lyrics.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared just after midnight on her birthday, Tems wrote:
“30 feels like freedom. I’ve learned, I’ve healed, and I’m ready to soar even higher.”
Indeed, if the past 10 years are anything to go by, Tems’ best is yet to come. From Lagos streets to global stages, she has made her voice heard—and she’s not done singing.
