Why Everyone Is Talking About Tems Right Now: The Global Rise of Nigeria’s R&B Queen
If you’ve been online lately, scrolling through music blogs, Twitter, or even catching headlines on Billboard and the Grammys, one name keeps showing up: Tems. But who exactly is she, and why is everyone talking about her right now?
Spoiler alert: Tems isn’t just trending—she’s taking over. From award wins to high-profile collaborations, global magazine covers to viral red-carpet moments, Tems has captured the world’s attention in a way few African artists have done before.
Let’s dive into why Tems is dominating the conversation in 2025 and why she deserves every bit of the spotlight.
1. She’s Breaking Records—And Making History
Tems is currently the most streamed Nigerian female artist worldwide, and her numbers are growing fast. Tems is the first female Nigerian singer to debut on the Billboard Hot 100, and she didn’t just make a cameo—she owned it.
In 2023, Tems won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on Future’s “Wait for U” alongside Drake. That same year, she co-wrote Rihanna’s powerful comeback song “Lift Me Up” for Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
These aren’t just accolades—they're proof that Tems is rewriting what global success looks like for African female artists.
2. Her Voice Is One of the Most Unique in the Industry
Tems' voice is instantly recognizable—a deep, smoky, soulful tone that carries both pain and power. It's not your typical R&B sound, and that’s what makes it special.
From her breakout single “Try Me” to chart-toppers like “Essence” and “Free Mind”, Tems has a way of making her listeners feel every lyric. Her sound bridges genres, blending Afrobeats, alternative R&B, and soul with effortless grace.
In a sea of autotune and cookie-cutter pop, Tems is a refreshing breath of raw talent.
3. She’s an Afrobeats Pioneer—With Global Appeal
While artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido have brought Afrobeats to global stages, Tems is adding a powerful female voice to the movement. And she’s not just following trends—she’s setting them.
Her unique fusion of Afrobeats with R&B and neo-soul is inspiring a new generation of musicians, both in Africa and beyond. In fact, music critics now talk about “Afro-R&B” as its own subgenre—and Tems is leading that wave.
Her cross-cultural appeal is what makes her so influential. Whether she’s performing in Lagos, London, or Los Angeles, she connects with audiences on a deeply human level.
4. She’s Collaborating With the Biggest Names in Music
If you check Tems’ recent discography, you’ll see some massive names:
- Wizkid – “Essence”
- Future & Drake – “Wait for U”
- Justin Bieber – “Essence” (Remix)
- Rihanna – “Lift Me Up” (co-writer)
- Beyoncé – Renaissance (rumored upcoming collaboration)
These aren't small-time features. These are genre-defining collaborations that are putting Tems at the center of pop culture.
And with more rumored collabs on the way, including partnerships with Travis Scott, SZA, and Tyler, The Creator, the Tems global takeover is only just beginning.
5. She’s a Fashion Icon in the Making
Beyond the music, Tems has also become a red carpet sensation. Her 2023 Oscars gown—yes, the viral white sculptural piece that blocked an entire row—sparked countless memes and fashion hot takes.
She’s appeared on the covers of Dazed, ESSENCE, and The FADER, praised for her bold, futuristic style that blends high fashion with African elegance.
Tems’ fashion isn’t just beautiful—it’s intentional. She uses clothing as another form of storytelling, proving she’s an artist in every sense of the word.
6. She’s Empowering Women Across Africa and the Diaspora
Tems is a symbol of empowerment, especially for young African women in creative fields. She’s doing what many thought impossible: succeeding on a global scale without compromising her identity.
She speaks openly about owning her creative process, writing and producing her own music early in her career. She’s also one of the few mainstream African female artists who has creative control over her visuals, brand, and message.
In a male-dominated industry, Tems is showing women everywhere that success is possible on your own terms.
7. She’s Just Getting Started
One of the most exciting things about Tems is that her debut album hasn't even dropped yet—and the world is already watching.
Her EPs For Broken Ears and If Orange Was A Place were critically acclaimed, but fans are now counting down the days to her official full-length album, rumored to be dropping later this year.
If her past work is any indication, this upcoming project could cement Tems as a global legend in the making.
Final Thoughts: The Tems Era Is Now
So… why is everyone talking about Tems right now?
Because she's more than just an artist—she’s a cultural force.
She’s shifting soundscapes, inspiring millions, and putting Nigeria on the global music map in her own bold, beautiful way.
If you’re not already following Tems, now’s the time.
Because as her star continues to rise, one thing is clear:
Tems isn’t just part of the conversation—she is the conversation.
💬 Join the Conversation
What’s your favorite Tems moment so far?
Is it her Grammy win? Her feature on “Essence”? Or that show-stopping Oscars look?
Let us know in the comments below—and don’t forget to share this post with every Tems fan you know!
