Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tems, has garnered international recognition, earning a prominent spot in TIME magazine's prestigious 2023 Next 100 list.

The publication, known for highlighting individuals who have reached the pinnacle of influence in their respective fields, hailed Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, as a leading voice in the global music industry.

In an article penned by Grammy-winning artist Mary J. Blige, Tems was likened to legendary musician Nina Simone for their shared ability to sing with unmatched emotion and unwavering conviction. Blige expressed her optimism about Tems' future, envisioning her ascent to become one of the era's most significant musical talents.

Blige's article praised Tems, stating that Tems 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 her of the first time she heard Nina Simone. They both sing with emotion and conviction, making you feel every word they sing.

Notably, Tems is not the sole Nigerian figure recognized in the TIME list. Dr. Toyin Ajayi, the founder and CEO of health startup Cityblock Health, received praise for her dedication to addressing social determinants of health and driving sustainable change for vulnerable communities.

Additionally, Nigerian tech founder Wemimo Abbey, in collaboration with co-founder Samir Goel, earned their place on the list for their startup, Esusu. The company, known for helping immigrants build credit in the United States by reporting tenants' on-time rent payments to credit bureaus, is committed to expanding its financial services to contribute to narrowing the racial wealth gap.