Billboard Explains: Tems’ Breakthrough on the Charts

Tems:
I am all about giving back. I’m all about being there for the people that need me and being a part of something that is bigger than myself.

Alyssa Caverley:
Nigerian singer Tems has truly broken through to become a huge sensation, and Billboard‘s Women In Music is honoring the talented singer. She first charted on the Hot 100 in 2021 and has been shining ever since. This is Billboard Explains: Tems’ Breakthrough on the Charts.

Tems has enjoyed some big collaborations on the Hot 100, including “Essence” alongside Wizkid and Justin Bieber; it peaked at No. 9 in 2021. A year later, the singer held the No. 1 spot for one week with the song “Wait for U”; she was featured alongside Drake and Future’s hit.

Not only has she enjoyed success on the Hot 100, she has charted 15 songs on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeat Songs chart, including two No. 1s with “Essence” and “Free Mind” in 2022. With two EPs behind her, she’s poised to release her debut studio album in 2024.