Tems releases a shock EP Love is a Kingdom, a seven-track mixture of Afrobeats and 90s-inspired RnB.
The Nigerian singer-songwriter, who studied in Johannesburg at IIE MSA (formely Monash) and toured South Africa earlier this 12 months, has constructed a powerful reference to South African audiences, making this launch fairly resonant together with her native fanbase. Love is a Kingdom arrives simply 17 months after her broadly acclaimed studio album Born within the Wild.
Seven Tracks with a 90’s Affect
The seven-track EP, distributed via Since ’93 and RCA Data, has sturdy ’90s-influences and infuses toned down altè instrumentals – a mixture of soul, Afrobeats, and RnB. It takes the listener via the motions of affection and energy dynamics, whereas additionally exploring themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and self-worth via her falsetto vocals.
The principally self-produced album, with further manufacturing from collaborators GuiltyBeatz and AoD, runs just below 20 minutes.
A Monitor-by-Monitor Look Tems’ EP
Tems’ new EP Love is a Kingdom opens with an aptly titled observe, First, which units the tone for the challenge. The tune exudes self-love and empowerment, with lyrics like “They know I’m completely different”, whereas mixing Afrobeats rhythms together with her RnB and soulful vocals. The beat’s bounce offers it a danceable really feel, making it an ideal membership anthem or nice choice for jam classes.
I’m Not Positive addresses the blurred strains in a relationship and evokes a need for readability, backed by a catchy percussion beat.
Massive Daddy – The Daring Lead Monitor from Tems’ Shock EP
This leads us into Massive Daddy, for which she launched a visualiser video that debuted alongside the EP. The tune continues the up-tempo vibe of the challenge, with its ’90s influences evident in all the things from the fashion of her outfit to the minimalist set that includes classic TVs. The observe is a couple of man with no ambition however a giant ego, with lyrics like “No ambition, he’s a loser ayy”. That is additionally the main target observe, serving because the lead single of the EP.
Lagos Love, titled after her native Lagos, stands out. And from the lyrics, it looks like a love letter to her house metropolis and a reaffirmation of her identification. Nevertheless, true to RnB type, the lyrics additionally nudge towards a romantic curiosity.
Mine is one other dance anthem, with simple lyrics. On this observe, she performs together with her signature falsetto, delivering a catchy hook and a few intentional ad-libs.
Love is a Kingdom slows down greater than midway via
What You Want introduces a extra stripped-down set of tracks. Paying homage to ’90s RnB, with a laid-back beat, paired together with her sultry vocals, making it one of many intimate moments on the EP. The tune is about reckoning with oneself and finally letting go of a relationship. She first previewed it on Instagram Reside in December 2022.
There Is a Purpose is the final observe on Love is a Kingdom. It’s additionally stripped down, that includes only a guitar and her vocals, permitting her to essentially exhibit her vocal skills. The tune turns inward, providing the listener an introspective inquiry and a second of reflection. An attractive technique to finish the EP.
Tems proves as soon as once more why she’s one of many continent’s most enjoyable artists with Love is a Kingdom. From the empowering opener First to the reflective nearer There Is a Purpose, the EP exhibits off her falsetto vocals, manufacturing abilities and emotional depth. With this shock launch, Tems’ EP Love is a Kingdom feels intimate, daring, and is a reminder of her contribution to international music as a up to date African artist.
