R&B artiste, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has been named in the prestigious 2023 TIME Magazine’s 100 Next list. The list, which is released annually by TIME Magazine, celebrates the achievements of 100 young individuals from around the globe who are making significant strides and shaping the future in various fields.
Tems’ inclusion in this list is a testament to her growing influence in the global music scene. The singer-songwriter has been lauded for her unique sound and originality, which has set her apart in the music industry.
In a tribute written for TIME by Grammy-award winning artiste, Mary J. Blige, she remarked about Tems, “She is in a class all by herself because no other artist sounds like her. That voice is so unique and original, so much so that it reminds me of the first time I heard Nina Simone. They both sing with emotion and conviction, making you feel every word they sing.”
Tems’ journey to international recognition has been nothing short of phenomenal. Her breakthrough came with her 2020 single “Damages” from her debut EP “For Broken Ears”. She also featured on WizKid’s hit single “Essence”, which earned a spot on Barack Obama’s 2020 favorite music list and recently won a Grammy for Best Music Video.
This recognition by TIME Magazine further cements Tems’ place as one of the leading voices in not just Nigerian, but global music. It is indeed a proud moment for Nigeria as it continues to make its mark on the global stage.