Tems’ Debut Album: A Celebration of Growth and Self-Discovery [Review]
Tems, a Nigerian R&B singer known for her alternative music style, has seen her career skyrocket from being cherished by a small, dedicated fanbase to becoming a global superstar. Her unique sound captured the hearts of many, leading to her music and name becoming fixtures in mainstream media.
Rise to Fame: Collaborations and Achievements
Listeners propelled Tems’ earlier tracks like “Higher” and “Free Mind” to commercial success, attracting the attention of major artists. In the subsequent months, Tems collaborated with Drake and Beyoncé, wrote the official soundtrack for Marvel’s “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” performed by Rihanna, and earned an Oscar nomination. She also won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on Future’s chart-topping hit “Wait For U.”
Anticipation and Reflection: Crafting Her Debut Album
Tems’ unprecedented success set the stage for her debut album, “Born In The Wild,” released nearly three years after her breakthrough. Despite her rapidly growing fanbase’s eagerness for an album, Tems took time to introspect and find her voice, ensuring her music reflected her personal journey.
Themes and Musical Diversity in ‘Born In The Wild
“Born In The Wild” explores themes of self-reflection, healing from past traumas, and appreciating the beauty of life amidst her surreal rise to fame. The album features R&B at its core, enriched with soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Tems experiments with Afrobeats, jazz, dancehall, and hip-hop, showcasing the diverse influences shaping her sound.
Production and Artistic Collaborations
Tems’ long-term producer GuiltyBeatz, alongside other renowned producers like Sarz, London, Spax, and DameDame, contributed to the album’s cohesive yet diverse sound. Tems’ reflections are evident from the opening ballad “Born In The Wild,” where she contemplates her place in the world.
Personal and Emotional Tracks
Tracks like “Burning” reflect on her rise to fame, while “Ready” channels Sade Adu’s influence with soothing jazz and pop rhythms. Tems delves into personal topics such as romantic relationships on songs like “Unfortunate” and “Boy O Boy,” revealing her views on love and heartbreak.
Influence and Heritage
Tems’ talent is shaped by various musical legends. She interpolates Magic System’s classic hit “Premier Gaou” on “Wickedest” and Diana King’s “L-L-L Lies” on “Gangsta.” Tems also reimagines the Nigerian classic “Love Me Jeje,” infusing it with Afrobeats to celebrate her heritage.
Faith and Inspiration
Tems draws strength from her faith and support system, as expressed in tracks like “Me & U” and “You’re In My Face.” She encourages listeners to persevere through life’s challenges in “Hold On.”
Conclusion: An Album That Resonates
“Born In The Wild” encapsulates Tems’ essence and growth as both an artist and individual. While the 18 tracks and multiple genres might be overwhelming for some, the album offers a rich listening experience for those who connect with Tems’ music. For her dedicated fans, “Born In The Wild” delivers the heartfelt artistry they’ve come to love.