Tems: Learn more about the Nigerian singer behind the global smash single ‘Essence’

Learn more about the Nigerian artist who is responsible for the global hit tune “Essence.”

Tems and WizKid have come together and snatched the Instagram Reels algorithm in their clutches.

Their duet “Essence” was released earlier in the spring but it has been everywhere this summer, most likely on one of your favorite playlists.

When her single “Mr. Rebel,” which she performed and composed, became a smash in 2018, the Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer initially drew the attention of the mainstream music industry. With “Looku Looku” and “Try Me,” she earned the loyalty of admirers who have since dubbed themselves “rebels.”

If you’re unfamiliar with Tems‘ career or want to learn more about him, check out the five things you should know about him below.

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She Wasn’t Always Sure She Could Sing Professionally During an interview with The Fader, Tems revealed that she once thought her unique voice was too “heavy” to sing.

She’s A Former Marketing Exec Before she was landing on streaming playlists, Tems earned two degrees and was building a career for herself in marketing.

Her family reportedly thought it was a more prudent choice.

She’s Secured A Presidential Stamp of Approval, WizKid’s “Essence” featuring Tems made its way onto Barack Obama’s favorite music of 2020 playlist meaning that there’s a very good chance your next cookout will feature the same tunes as our forever Commander-in-chief.

She’s An Accomplished Producer, She produced 90% of the tracks on her 2020 EP For Broken ears on her own.

During a track breakdown with Apple Music, she explained how she began creating the song Ice T by engineering a series of sounds and tweaking samples that formulated the base of the song.

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In an interview with Okay Africa, she described the process as “intimate.”

She’s An Alicia Keys Fan, Tems also told The Fader that the first song she ever learned to “properly sing,” is Keys’ powerhouse ballad “If I Ain’t Got You.”