Temilade Openiyi, better known by her stage name Tems, has taken the music world by storm over the past few years. The Nigerian singer-songwriter has quickly risen to become one of the most exciting new voices in Afrobeats and R&B.
In this blog, we are going to be looking at Tems’ net worth and also exploring how she makes her money. We’ll look into her biography, music career, brand endorsements, and other potential income streams that fuel her impressive net worth.
So, whether you’re a fan or simply curious about the net worth of today’s rising stars, this blog will help you discover how Tems built her multi-million-dollar music empire.
Full name | Temilade Openiyi |
Stage name | Tems |
Date of birth | 11 June 1995 |
Marital status | Single but in a relationship |
Husband | Relationship |
Parents name | Not known |
Nationality | Nigeria-British |
Profession | Record producer, songwriter, and singer-songwriter |
Net worth | 2 million dollars |
Height | 5,9 feet inches |
Tem’s Net Worth 2024
Tems’ net worth has been steadily rising alongside her musical career. In 2024, estimates place it at around $2 million, factoring in album sales, streaming, touring, and endorsements.
This follows a significant jump in 2023 to $1.5 million, fueled by the global success of her collaboration with Wizkid on “Essence.”
Before that, in 2022, her net worth ranged between $500,000 and $1 million, reflecting earlier achievements like her acclaimed EP “If Orange Was a Place” and growing industry recognition.
How Tems Makes Her Money
Tems has built a successful music career, generating income through various avenues:
1. Music Sales and Streaming:
- Streaming platforms: Tems earns royalties whenever her music is played on streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. These platforms pay artists a fraction of a cent per stream, but with millions of streams across her songs, this accumulates into a significant source of income.
- Digital downloads: While less common these days, Tems also earns royalties from purchases of her music on platforms like iTunes and Amazon Music.
2. Live Performances:
Touring allows Tems to connect with fans directly and generate substantial income through ticket sales. As her popularity grows, she can command higher fees for performances, potentially including VIP experiences and merchandise sales. Also, major music festivals often pay artists sizable fees to perform, further contributing to Tems’ income.
3. Songwriting Royalties:
Tems writes and produces many of her songs, meaning she retains the full copyright and receives all songwriting royalties generated through streaming, sales, and other uses of her music.
In addition to her work, Tems has co-written songs for other artists, like her collaboration with Wizkid on “Essence.” Whenever these songs are streamed, downloaded, or used in other contexts, Tems receives a portion of the songwriting royalties.
4. Collaborations:
When Tems appears as a featured artist on another artist’s song, she typically receives a one-time payment or a share of the song’s future earnings depending on the agreement. Collaborations with established artists like Drake and Brent Faiyaz can be lucrative opportunities.
5. Awards and Recognition:
Winning prestigious awards like the Grammy Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and Headies Awards can come with prize money, adding another layer to Tems’ income stream.
Tems Biography
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi on June 11, 1995, had a multifaceted early life shaped by both Nigerian and British influences.
Born in Lagos to a British-Nigerian father and a Nigerian mother, she spent her first five years in the UK before returning to Nigeria with her mother and brother after her parent’s divorce. They settled in Ajah, Lagos, where Tems attended Dowen College.
Despite facing challenges due to the family’s move, Tems’ musical talent was fostered during this time. Her exposure to gospel music through her Christian upbringing and later exploration of R&B and hip-hop artists like Aaliyah, Lil Wayne, Beyoncé, and Destiny’s Child ignited her passion for music. At school, her music teacher recognized her gift, leading her to learn piano and guitar, further shaping her artistic journey.
Tems Music Career
Tems, a captivating vocalist and genre-bending artist, has carved her path in the music industry. Her musical journey began at a young age, nurtured by diverse influences and a burning passion.
Growing up, Tems immersed herself in music, drawing inspiration from artists like Beyonce, Lil Wayne, Adele, and Burna Boy.
At 17, she joined her school choir, further honing her vocal skills and collaborating with her brother, a guitarist, to explore her creative freedom. Her university years saw her continue nurturing her passion, singing, freestyling, and writing her music.
At the age of 20, Tems took a significant step by releasing her debut EP, “Time Swap EP,” in 2013. While it didn’t achieve widespread recognition, it fueled her determination. Returning to Nigeria after her studies, Tems pursued music full-time, leaving behind her digital marketing job.
This bold decision proved pivotal, leading to the release of her first single, “Mr. Rebel,” in 2018. The song garnered significant praise and established her presence in the Nigerian music scene.
The success of “Mr. Rebel” paved the way for another hit, “Try Me,” released in 2019. This single further propelled her career, amassing over 2 million views on YouTube and solidifying her place among the rising stars in the industry.
Tems continued pushing boundaries, experimenting with her sound. Her 2020 EP, “For Broken Ears,” featuring the chart-topping single “Damages,” showcased her unique blend of Alté, Afrobeats, and R&B, further solidifying her position as a creative force.
Tems’ talent didn’t go unnoticed internationally. In 2020, she collaborated with American singer Khalid and fellow Nigerian artist Davido on the Afrobeats remix of “Know Your Worth,” marking her first major international collaboration.
The same year, her collaboration with Wizkid on the global smash hit “Essence” catapulted her to global fame. The song topped the BBC 1Xtra Airplay Chart and earned her a Grammy nomination, solidifying her status as a global music star. Capitalizing on her momentum, Tems went on to collaborate with Drake on his album “Certified Lover Boy,” further expanding her reach and solidifying her international presence.
With the release of her sophomore EP, “If Orange Was A Place,” in 2021, Tems continued to showcase her artistic evolution, garnering critical acclaim and commercial success.
Tems Discography
Tems, the award-winning Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer, has a diverse discography encompassing various formats, including studio albums, soundtracks, extended plays (EPs), and singles.
Solo Singles:
- Mr Rebel (2018)
- Looku Looku (2019)
- Try Me (2019)
- These Days (2020)
- Damages (2020)
- Crazy Tings (2021)
- No Woman, No Cry (with Marvel) (2022)
- Free Mind (2023)
- Not an Angel (2023)
Featured Singles:
- Know Your Worth (Khalid and Disclosure featuring Davido and Tems) (2020)
- Essence (Wizkid featuring Tems or also Justin Bieber) (2021)
- Wait for U (Future featuring Drake and Tems) (2022)
Other Notable Songs:
- Higher (from “For Broken Ears”) (2020)
- Found (featuring Brent Faiyaz) (from “If Orange Was a Place”) (2021)
- Move (Beyoncé featuring Grace Jones and Tems) (from “Renaissance”) (2022)
Tems’ discography is a testament to her artistic talent, versatility, and collaborative spirit. With her unique blend of genres and captivating vocals, Tems is sure to continue captivating audiences and adding to her impressive musical repertoire.
Tems Awards
Tems’ journey has been marked by not only critical acclaim but also recognition through various awards and nominations. Here’s a glimpse into her achievements:
Grammy Awards:
- 2023: Won Best Melodic Rap Performance for her collaboration on “Wait For U” with Future and Drake.
- 2021: Her collaboration with Wizkid on “Made in Lagos” earned a nomination for Best Global Music Album.
Other Awards:
- 2023: Won Female MVP Award at the Soundcity MVP Awards.
- 2021: Won Most Alternative Song at the Net Honour Awards for “Damages.”
- 2021: Won Best Female Artist, Best Collaboration, Best Video, and Song Of The Year at the African American Entertainment Awards for her work with “Essence.”
Nominations:
- 2019: Nominated for Best Vocal Performing (Female) by The Headies.
- 2019: Nominated for Next Rated Artist (Female) by City People Music Award.
- 2019: Nominated for Best Breakthrough Act by MTV Africa Music Award.
These accolades, alongside her critically acclaimed music, solidify Tems’ position as a talented and influential artist on a global scale.
Tems Cars
Tems reportedly owns a Range Rover. The car itself boasts top-tier features, including advanced lighting systems, a panoramic roof, and a comfortable interior with high-tech amenities. With an estimated price tag of 40 million Nigerian Naira, it’s clear that Tems, when it comes to her car, enjoys the finer things in life. The details about her home remain unknown.
Tems Controversy
While Tems’ musical journey has been marked by success and critical acclaim, it hasn’t been without its controversies. In December 2020, her career was touched by a public incident that garnered significant media attention.
Tems, along with fellow Nigerian singer Omah Lay, were arrested in Uganda for performing at a concert that violated the country’s COVID-19 regulations.
The Ugandan authorities accused them of flouting lockdown protocols, but the artists maintained their innocence and claimed they were unaware of the restrictions. This led to a two-day detention before their eventual release and an apology from the Ugandan government.
The incident sparked debates and discussions online, with some questioning the severity of the response and others expressing concerns about the artists’ responsibility to be informed about the regulations.
While the details remain somewhat contested, the arrest undoubtedly cast a temporary shadow on Tems’ and Omah Lay’s careers amidst their rising trajectory.
Tems Social Media Pages
Over 5million followers | ||
Over 1.1 million followers | ||
Over 1.9 million followers |
Conclusion
Tems’ journey is evidence of the power of passion and dedication. From choir girl to global star, her story inspires others to chase their dreams. Her music blends genres, captivating audiences worldwide which has impacted her net worth.