Hip-Hop Lives Here
Hip-Hop Lives Here
Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, was born in Lagos, Nigeria—a city brimming with uncontainable energy much like the artist herself. Rooted in Afrobeat and influenced by an array of genres, Tems' musical skill can only be likened to a master chef who knows just the right ingredients to create a culinary marvel. The eloquence of her voice pairs beautifully with her narrative lyricism, providing the world with songs that are felt as deeply as they are heard. A talent incubated in the Nigerian music scene, her resonance has now enveloped the globe. As of 2023, the artist's resonance has certainly paid off, with a net worth estimated at $2 million, according to CAknowledge.
While Tems gained the international spotlight for her feature on WizKid's "Essence," this was not a coattail ride but a harmonious alignment of stars. Her solo projects like For Broken Ears and the critically acclaimed If Orange Was a Place substantiate her independent artistry. "Essence" may have been the match, but her body of work is the slow-burning, enduring flame. Not just the sheer numbers—millions of streams and counting—but the valuable impact on her listeners that measures her real success.
Tems is a study in contrasts: a public figure with a well-curated private life. In interviews, she's been less keen to speak about personal relationships, emphasizing her love for her craft and her responsibility toward her community. She embodies the 21st-century woman—empowered, focused, and driven by ambition and desire to elevate her milieu. Further, Tems isn't just a crooner; she's a savvy business entity. Merchandising, endorsements, and strategic partnerships demonstrate that her insight extends far beyond the recording studio. Her brand collaborations echo her artistic ethos: authentic, diverse, and deeply connected to her roots.
What stands out about Tems is her refusal to plateau. Each song, each collaboration, and each business venture is a stepping stone to a higher vantage point, not a final destination. To snapshot her in the year 2023 would be like capturing a photograph of a comet; spectacular, but still in motion, promising to light up skies not yet seen.
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Charli xcx has said she would be willing to consider recording a James Bond theme, though she is doubtful it would ever come together due to her heavy use of AutoTune.
The Chains of Love artist recently worked on the soundtrack for the Margot Robbie led Wuthering Heights film and admitted she would not completely rule out contributing music to the famous spy franchise.
Speaking with Julia Cunningham on her SiriusXM show, Charli explained her hesitation. “I got to say, I don’t think that I am built for that.
“I think I probably sing with too much AutoTune to do a James Bond. Never say never. I’m open to it if they want to call me, which they won’t but, yeah. I think it might not be a fit, but that’s, well, yeah. It’s not going to happen now, is it? So amazing. I don’t know.”
Charli, who is currently promoting her mockumentary The Moment, has also shared that she is keen to take on more acting projects.
Talking to Extra, she said: “It’s amazing.
“I feel so inspired to be working in film, whether that be as an actor or a producer or doing the soundtrack.
“I just I feel like really passionate about working with directors who I think have a singular vision, and I feel so grateful that I’m a part of both of the projects.”
When asked whether she would like to continue acting in the future, Charli answered: “Yeah, I’d love to. I’d love to.”
Meanwhile, the singer has recently described herself as being “quite a volatile person”.
The pop star, who married drummer George Daniel in 2025, also spoke about how closely she connects with her character in The Moment.
While appearing at the Sundance Film Festival, Charli said: “I’m obviously quite related to my character, so I had a lot of inspiration to pull from.
“I would like to think I’m not as much of a nightmare as Charli in the film, but my real managers are in the audience and they probably know the true answer to that.”
She went on to note that her character goes through several “spiral moments” throughout the film and reflected on the similarities and differences between herself and the role.
The chart topping artist, who found massive success with her Brat album in 2024, added: “I have been there. I think I am, as an artist, quite a volatile person. And nice though. I am quite nice too. Right?”
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