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From Lagos to the world, Tems continues to fly the Nigerian flag high as she shines alongside global stars at the 2026 BET Awards.
Tems once again reminded the world why she stands among Africa’s biggest music stars. At the 2026 BET Awards, the Nigerian singer first captured attention with her elegant red carpet appearance. Soon afterwards, she took to the stage and delivered a confident performance that reflected her growth as an artist and performer.
The award show celebrated some of the biggest names in music. Throughout the night, Cardi B, Kehlani, Don Toliver, GloRilla, Leon Thomas, Lil Wayne, and several other stars thrilled the audience with exciting performances. Meanwhile, Janet Jackson surprised Teyana Taylor during a heartfelt tribute. At the same time, RAYE and Ari Lennox honoured legendary singer D’Angelo with powerful performances that became some of the night’s most talked-about moments.
Even so, Tems created a moment of her own. She carried herself with confidence from the red carpet to the stage. As a result, she once again highlighted the growing influence of Nigerian music on the global stage.
A striking image of Artists at the Grammy-winning of the 2026 BET Awards,
Long before she performed at international award shows, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, nurtured a dream in Lagos.
From an early age, she developed a deep love for music. She listened to different genres, including R&B, soul, hip-hop, and African music. Consequently, those influences helped shape the unique sound that has become her signature today.
Although she studied Economics at university, she never gave up on music. Instead, she spent years improving her songwriting, learning music production, and developing her voice. Eventually, she decided to pursue music professionally, and that decision changed the course of her life.
Tems began her journey as an independent artist. However, everything changed in 2019 when she released Try Me.
The song quickly gained attention because of its emotional lyrics, soulful vocals, and refreshing sound. As more people discovered the record, music lovers began to recognize Tems as an artist with something different to offer.
After that breakthrough, she continued building momentum with projects that showcased her honesty and creativity. More importantly, she stayed true to her identity instead of following every musical trend.
Tems captivated fans with a stunning red carpet look before delivering a memorable performance at the 2026 BET Awards.
Many artists chase popular sounds, but Tems chose a different path. She combined Afrobeats, alternative R&B, soul, and Afro-fusion to create a style that feels authentic and timeless.
Furthermore, her calm yet expressive voice allows listeners to connect deeply with every song. At the same time, her lyrics explore love, healing, self-discovery, and personal growth in ways that feel genuine and relatable.
Beyond the music, Tems has also become known for her fashion choices. Whether she appears at award shows, music festivals, or international events, she consistently embraces bold looks that complement her personality without taking attention away from her artistry.
Several songs have helped shape Tems’ remarkable journey.
Try Me introduced her to a wider audience and established her as one of Nigeria’s most exciting new voices. Afterwards, Damages strengthened her reputation with its heartfelt storytelling and polished production.
Then came Essence, her collaboration with Wizkid. The song became a global success and introduced millions of listeners to Afrobeats. Consequently, it opened even more international doors for Tems and helped cement her place among the genre’s biggest stars.
Since then, she has continued to release critically acclaimed music while collaborating with leading Nigerian and international artists. Each new project has expanded her reach and strengthened her influence across the global music industry.
Today, whether she performs at the BET Awards, records with international superstars, or represents Nigeria on some of the world’s biggest stages, Tems continues to inspire a new generation of artists. Above all, she proves that authenticity, patience, and creativity can take Nigerian music to every corner of the world.
By Gladius Elizabeth
Music & Entertainment Writer, MAX FM
Published: June 29, 2026
