Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tems, has been named as a leading voice in the international music industry by TIME Magazine.
Born Temilade Openiyi, the music star was named as one of the people âwho have achieved peak influence in their fieldsâ in the 2023 TIMEâs Next 100 list published on Wednesday.
Writing for the magazine, Grammy-winning singer, Mary J. Blige, compared Tems to legendary musician, Nina Simone, because they both âsing with emotion and convictionâ.
Blige also expressed hope that Tems will one day become one of the biggest artists of her time.
According to her, âTems is in a class all by herself because no other artist sounds like her. That voice is so unique and original, so much so that it reminds me of the first time I heard Nina Simone. They both sing with emotion and conviction, making you feel every word they sing.
âWhen Tems and I finally had a chance to meet last year at the Grammy Awards, we just exploded on each other, giving each other so much love. I know she will make it far because sheâs a talented writer, singer, and producerâmy only hope for her is that she becomes one of the biggest artists of her time,â Blige wrote.
However, Tems is not the only Nigerian mentioned on the list, Cityblock Health founder and CEO of health start-up, Dr. Toyin Ajayi was also applauded for âaddressing social drivers of poor health and creating sustainable change for vulnerable communities.â
Another Nigerian, Wemimo Abbey made the list alongside co-founder Samir Goel, for their startup, Esusu, which helps immigrants âbuild credit in America by reporting tenantsâ on-time rent payments to credit bureaus.â
Abbey and Goel also expressed their commitment to broadening the companyâs financial services in order âto help reduce the racial wealth gapâ.