Tems Turns Dreams Into History: From Office Desk to Grammy Glory

Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, went from a desk job to winning multiple Grammys. She recently told fans she has surpassed every goal she once set.

Before music, Tems worked as a digital marketer. In 2018, she left her office job to follow her passion. Her debut single, Mr Rebel, introduced her soulful, unique sound.

Her breakthrough came in 2020 with Essence, a collaboration with Wizkid. The song became a global hit. The Justin Bieber remix reached number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, cementing her status as one of Afrobeats’ most recognized voices.

Awards followed fast. In 2023, she became the first female Afrobeats artist to win a Grammy for Wait For U, a collaboration with Future and Drake. Two years later, she won another Grammy for Best African Music Performance, making her the only Nigerian artist with multiple wins.

Tems also earned Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for co-writing Rihanna’s Lift Me Up.

Now, she is ready for what comes next. From a 9–5 to Grammy stages and movie soundtracks, her journey shows how talent and determination can turn dreams into reality.

Nilesqoop will continue to follow Tems as she expands her global influence.