The Untamed Brilliance of Tems

Born in the Wild is the latest chapter in Tems extraordinary story of resilience, growth and creative freedom—a testament to the undeniable force of her artistry.

I first heard Tems sing at an open mic event in 2017. It was the 90s Baby Show hosted by Idris King, where aspiring singers and rappers from the vibrant Lagos underground music scene would perform. In a dimly lit cafe in Lagos Island, in front of a crowd of 15-20 people, Tems performed an early rendition of ‘Try Me’. When the single was officially released nearly two years later, in August 2019, it became an instant hit and established her as an artiste to watch. Even back then, green and unseasoned as she was, it was clear that there was something special about Temilade Openiyi. She was an immediate crowd favourite, captivating everyone with her sonorous vocals and measured presence. By the time she was done, we were screaming for an encore...