Celebrating Tems: A Global Icon on Her 30th Birthday

Today, June 11, 2025, marks a monumental milestone in the life of Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer Temilade Openiyi—better known as Tems. At 30, she stands as one of the most influential African artists of her generation, a Grammy-winning global superstar, and a trailblazer in music, fashion, and business.

Tems began her musical journey at a young age, joining her school choir and learning to play the piano. Her breakout moment came in 2020 when she featured on Wizkid’s “Essence,” a song that not only topped charts but also earned her a Grammy nomination. Ever since, Tems has become unstoppable and a force to reckon with home and aboad.

Milestones and Achievements

Tems’ career has been marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements:

• Grammy Awards: She won her first Grammy in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U.” In 2025, she clinched her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance with “Love Me JeJe”.

• Won two BET in one night: In 2022, Tems made history by becoming the first African female artist to win the BET Award for Best International Act. The same night, she also won for Best Collaboration with Wizkid for ‘Essence’, and became the first and only Nigerian artist to win two BET Awards in one night.

• Chart-Topping Hits: Her song “Free Mind” set a record for the longest charting number one song by a female artist on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart. Additionally, “Love Me JeJe” became the first Nigerian song to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

• Multiple RIAA Certifications: Tems has received multiple certifications in the United States, which reflects her commercial status in he country. Her Grammy winning song ‘Love Me Jeje’.  have received RIAA Gold certification alongside her ‘Me &U’ and ‘Found’ featuring Brent Faiyaz. Also her single ‘Free Mind has been certified 2x Platinum.

• Business Ventures: In 2025, she became the first African woman to own a U.S. professional sports team by joining the ownership group of San Diego FC in Major League Soccer.

• Historic Performances: Tems is set to join the list of artists who have performed at a FIFA tournament as she has been announced alongside Latino music star J Balvin and rapper Doja Cat as the headliners for the FIFA Final Halftime Show in the United States.

As Tems celebrates her 30th birthday, her journey from Lagos to global acclaim serves as an inspiration to millions. Her ability to blend Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative sounds has not only redefined genres but also paved the way for future African artists on the world stage. With her unwavering dedication and trailblazing spirit, the next decade promises even greater achievements for this remarkable artist.

Join us in celebrating Tems’ 30th birthday and her extraordinary contributions to music and culture. Here’s to many more years of success and inspiration!