By Drimz Media Team
Some voices simply sing; others profoundly shift the cultural landscape. Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, unequivocally belongs to the latter category. From her roots in Lagos to headlining a historic performance at MetLife Stadium, she has consistently proven herself as one of the most compelling, soulful, and genre-defining artists of her generation.
Fresh from her groundbreaking performance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final, Tems' presence is ubiquitous – she's headlining major global stages, accumulating prestigious awards, and actively rewriting the future trajectory of Afrobeats. This is precisely why she is our esteemed Drimz Artiste of the Week.
Why Tems Reigns as Drimz Artiste of the Week
Our selection of Tems extends beyond her undeniable talent; it's a recognition of what she embodies:
Global Cultural Impact
A Fearless Trailblazing Spirit
Authentic and Resonant Storytelling
Powerful Afro-Feminine Energy
Unapologetic Artistic Expression
Tems' sound defines the present moment and confidently points toward the future. From her unique redefinition of African soul music to her conquest of the biggest stages in both music and sports, her journey is a wellspring of pure inspiration.
5 Defining Achievements of Tems (Thus Far):
First African Artist to Headline the FIFA Club World Cup Final Halftime Show On July 13, 2025, Tems etched her name in history by performing at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, during the thrilling Club World Cup Final between Chelsea and PSG. She co-headlined the inaugural halftime show at the Club World Cup alongside global stars J Balvin and Doja Cat, captivating millions worldwide with her soulful rendition of her 2025 hit, "Love Me JeJe." As quoted by FIFA Global Citizen Commentary, "Tems took Afro-soul to a global sports stage. It was powerful, elegant, and unforgettable.”
Grammy Award Winner Tems secured her first Grammy Award in 2023 for her significant contribution to Future's track “Wait For U,” which also featured Drake. This collaboration not only topped Billboard charts but also marked Tems' first major global award recognition, making her the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy in a prominent category.
Featured on Beyoncé’s Renaissance Album Tems was among the select few African artists personally invited by Beyoncé to collaborate on her critically acclaimed Renaissance album. Her distinctive voice is featured on the track “Move,” solidifying her position within global pop culture and highlighting her alignment with the music industry's absolute top-tier performers.
Streaming Billionaire – Over 2 Billion Global Streams With a catalog of hits including "Try Me," "Free Mind," "Essence," and "Crazy Tings," Tems has amassed an incredible billions of streams across major platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Boomplay. She stands as one of the most-streamed Nigerian female artists globally, with her tracks consistently appearing in international charts and prestigious curated playlists.
Redefined African Female Artistry In an Afrobeats landscape traditionally dominated by male artists, Tems has brought an unprecedented depth, raw vulnerability, and undeniable strength. She remains steadfastly authentic, consistently experimental, and fearlessly true to herself, seamlessly blending soul, R&B, and Afro rhythms in a style that is uniquely her own. Her minimalist fashion sense, poetic lyricism, and captivating stage presence are actively inspiring a new generation of African women and creatives to embrace their individuality.
Essential Tems Tracks You Shouldn't Miss:
Try Me — Her defiant, breakout anthem that introduced her raw talent.
Free Mind — A global soul hit, featured in various high-profile placements including HBO and Apple advertisements.
Essence (with Wizkid) — The quintessential Afrobeats global crossover that became a worldwide phenomenon.
Found (ft. Brent Faiyaz) — A stunning collaboration that blends soulful melodies with profound vulnerability.
Love Me JeJe — Her impactful 2025 comeback hit, which also served as her memorable FIFA anthem.
Final Word: Tems Is More Than a Star — She’s a Force
Tems isn't merely riding the wave of Afrobeats; she is actively creating it. Her remarkable success isn't solely measured in streaming numbers or sold-out shows, but in her profound ability to shift narratives: defining what African women can sound like, how they can express themselves visually, and their true significance to the world.
So this week, we do more than just celebrate an artist—we honor a true trailblazer. Whether gracing a FIFA stage or resonating through a Spotify playlist, Tems is powerfully setting the tone for the exciting future of African music.
Join the Conversation: 💬 What’s your absolute favorite Tems track? 🎧 Drop a comment below! Share this post and help spread the word: Africa is leading the way!
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