From singing in school choirs to dominating global charts, Temilade Openiyi, known worldwide as Tems, has crafted one of music's most inspiring success stories. As of 2025, the Nigerian singer-songwriter has established herself as a formidable force in the international music scene, with an estimated net worth of $5 million USD.
The Journey From Lagos to Global Stardom
Born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems' musical journey began early. She joined her school choir at age 11, where her music teacher recognized her talent and taught her piano. Despite facing bullying for her unique voice during her secondary school days at Dowen College in Lekki, she persevered. After completing her education, she pursued a degree in Economics at The IIE MSA in Johannesburg, South Africa, but her heart remained firmly set on music.
Tems taught herself music production using YouTube tutorials, developing the DIY ethos that would become crucial to her artistic identity. In a revealing interview with CNN, she recalled her early struggles: "It was really hard to get people to take me seriously — not just as a producer, but as a singer, period. I didn't feel safe, I didn't feel seen, and I didn't feel supported for a very long time."
Breaking Records and Building Wealth
Tems' financial success in 2025 reflects her monumental career achievements. With estimated annual earnings of approximately $13 million USD, her wealth comes from multiple revenue streams:
Music streaming generates between $2.7 million and $3.3 million annually from platforms like Spotify, where she boasts 23.8 million monthly listeners. Tour performances constitute her largest income source, with her 2024 Born in the Wild Tour grossing over $7 million across 28 shows. Her highest-grossing single concert earned $548,000 at Radio City Music Hall in New York.
Brand endorsements with luxury companies like OMEGA Watches and Hennessy contribute an additional $1-3 million annually. In a groundbreaking move beyond traditional endorsements, Tems joined the ownership group of Major League Soccer's San Diego FC through her company, The Leading Vibe, becoming the first African woman involved in MLS ownership.
Career Milestones and Global Recognition
Tems' career trajectory reads like a music industry fairytale. Her breakthrough came with the 2019 single "Try Me," but her global ascent accelerated with the feature on Wizkid's "Essence" in 2020. The song became a worldwide anthem, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 and earning a Grammy nomination.
She made history in 2023 by becoming the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy, collecting the award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to Future's "Wait for U." The track also made her the first African artist ever to debut a song at Number One on the Billboard Hot 100.
As of late 2025, Tems has surpassed 4.18 billion total streams across platforms. Her collaboration tracks have achieved staggering numbers:
- "Wait For U" (Future feat. Drake & Tems): 1.2 Billion+ streams
- "Essence" (Wizkid feat. Tems & Justin Bieber): 494.6 Million+ streams
- "Free Mind" (Tems Solo): 257.7 Million+ streams
- "Me & U" (Tems Solo): 227.6 Million+ streams
Her debut album "Born in the Wild," released in June 2024, debuted strongly at #25 on the Official UK Albums Chart, supported by hit singles including "Love Me JeJe" and "Burning."
Business Acumen and Personal Life
Despite her global fame, Tems maintains a fiercely private personal life. As of November 2025, she remains single and has never publicly confirmed any romantic relationships, though speculation has linked her to both her manager Muyiwa Awoniyi and UK rapper Dave.
Her business decisions reflect strategic thinking. She signed with RCA Records in September 2021 but maintains creative control through a partnership with her label Since '93. Earlier in her career, she released her first EP "For Broken Ears" under her own label, The Leading Vibe.
Tems' assets include property in Lagos and luxury vehicles, though she avoids excessive public displays of wealth. She has also been recognized for quiet philanthropy behind the scenes.
With over 25 major awards, including two Grammy Awards, four BET Awards, and five Headies awards, Tems has cemented her status as one of Africa's most powerful global music exports. Her journey from a determined young woman with only ₦200 in her account to a music empire worth $5 million stands as a powerful blueprint for aspiring artists worldwide.
