Tems: The Voice That Defined an Era – From Lagos Alté to Global Grammys

Introduction: The Unmistakable Frequency

In a music industry often chasing tempo and trend, Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, emerged not with a bang, but with a vibrational shift. With a voice that embodies soulful rebellion—a blend of haunting lows and liberating highs—she carved a niche entirely her own. From the underground Alté scene in Lagos to writing and singing on a Grammy-winning global #1 hit, her journey is a masterclass in authentic artistry meeting destined opportunity. This is the story of Tems, told through the frequencies she created.

Track 1: “The Demo” – Forging a Sound in Silence (Pre-2018)

Before the world listened, Tems was in the lab, quite literally. She taught herself production using YouTube tutorials, crafting her sound in isolation. This period of introspection was crucial—it birthed the Tems signature: a fusion of alternative R&B, neo-soul, and raw, unfiltered emotion, all anchored by her contralto voice. She wasn’t fitting into a scene; she was building her own.

Track 2: “The First Transmission” – Mr. Rebel (2018)

• Key Track: “Mr Rebel”
  Her debut single was a mission statement. “Mr Rebel” introduced her philosophical lyricism and laid-back, immersive production. It was a slow burn, not a club banger, capturing the attention of listeners tired of convention. This track plugged her directly into Nigeria’s growing Alté community, marking her as a unique voice for the rebellious and introspective.

Track 3: “The Breakout Frequency” – Looku Looku & Try Me (2019-2020)

• Key Tracks: “Looku Looku,” “Try Me”
  “Try Me” was the catalyst. Released independently, its defiant lyrics (“You try me, you go lose”) and hypnotic melody became a viral anthem of self-worth. It soundtracked the 2020 EndSARS protests, becoming an unofficial hymn of resilience. Meanwhile, “Looku Looku” showcased her versatility and playful side. These hits proved her sound had mass appeal without commercial compromise.

Track 4: “The Debut EP” – For Broken Ears (2020)

• Key Tracks: “Damages,” “Free Mind,” “The Key”
  Her debut EP was a cohesive, atmospheric masterpiece. “Free Mind” became a generational anthem for anxiety and the desire for peace, amassing hundreds of millions of streams. For Broken Ears was critically acclaimed for its depth, establishing Tems not as a feature artist, but a formidable solo act with a complete artistic vision.

Track 5: “The Global Collision” – “Essence” & The World (2020-2021)

• The Collaboration: “Essence” (with Wizkid)
  This was the cosmic event that changed everything. Her hook and second verse on Wizkid’s “Essence” were pure magic. The song became a global summer anthem, peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, and earned a Grammy nomination. Tems’ voice was the song’s soulful, unforgettable core, introducing her to millions worldwide and making her the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this chart feat.

Track 6: “The International Verse” – Conquest of Pop & Film (2021-2022)

• Key Features: “Fountains” (with Drake), “Wait For U” (with Future & Drake), “No Woman No Cry” (for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)
  The world called, and Tems answered on her own terms. She collaborated with Drake twice, with “Wait For U” sampling “Free Mind” and hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. She then co-wrote and performed “No Woman No Cry” for a major Hollywood franchise, earning an Oscar nomination. She wasn’t just featuring; she was defining the sound of global pop and cinema.

Track 7: “The Definitive Album” – If Orange Was A Place & Born in the Wild (2021 & 2024)

• Key Tracks: “Crazy Tings,” “Vibration,” “Me & U”
  Her 2021 EP and her long-awaited 2024 debut album, Born in the Wild, presented a fully-realized Tems. Tracks like “Me & U” are introspective anthems, while “Crazy Tings” reflects on her surreal journey. The album is a testament to her growth, grappling with fame, identity, and spirituality, all wrapped in lush, expansive production. It’s the work of an artist who has mastered her frequency.

The Outro: Tems’ Legacy – The Rebel’s Impact

Tems’ career has redefined the blueprint for the Nigerian artist:

• The Alté Path to Mainstream: She proved profound, alternative music could achieve global, commercial zenith.
• The Writer & Producer: She commands respect as a full architect of her sound, not just a vocalist.
• The Awards Disruptor: A Grammy winner, Oscar nominee, and Billboard chart-topper—a trifecta of acclaim unprecedented for a Nigerian solo female artist.
• The Voice of a Feeling: She gave sound to introspection, vulnerability, and rebellion for a global audience.

She didn’t just cross over; she expanded the borders of what African music could be. Tems turned her “Free Mind” into a movement, and the world is still tuning in.

Which Tems track first captured your “Free Mind”? Share your discovery moment below!