Meet Tems
Tems Reaches U.S. Music Charts with an iHeart Radio Nomination
Nigerian Afrobeat artist, Tems has sparked in recent headlines after several stunning Instagram pics followed by news of her feature on the hit song Essence by WizKid being nominated for iHeartRadio Music Awards’ best Hip Hop Song of the Year! Tems has been likened to that of a West African Rihanna in style and flare. Rather than looking for the next version of incredibly talented artists, fans should be inclined to explore what Tems offers to U.S. hip-hop and growing Afrobeat scenes. Straight up, Essence is a BOP!
Noted for having a dynamic, androgynous texture to her voice with elements of a vixenish chill mix siren, Tems has studied the craft of composing eloquent melodies and writing relatable lyrics. Yet what’s causing all of this buzz? She is one of few female African artists to lead the charge in introducing a new generation of Afrobeat music on an international stage.
She’s generated much attention for her do no harm, take no shit attitude as seen in her music videos such as Try Me. So, reaching a major music chart like iHeartRadio reflects the dedication and time that has paid off for the Nigerian singer!
As variants of the Afrobeat movement have reached the states with genres emerging like Afro-house and Afro-pop, Tems offers music lovers a diverse array of melodies and features with top industry artists like Drake and Brent Faiyaz.
As afrobeat in the States has been widely used as samples in mainstream and independent artist samples, musicians like Tems are introducing an expansion of the genre with traditional and innovative beat styles and formats for example Nigerian juju and Ghana highlife music. Drawing inspirations from smooth 90s artists like Lauryn Hill and Aaliyah, Tems plays around with the tone of traditional R&B while layering a mix of rap beats and Nigerian upbeats.
Similar to the rise in Afro-Latinx and Latin Pop artists, Afrobeat musicians like Tems are bringing the heat with chart-topping singles. Artists like Cruel Santino, Burna Boy, and Odunsi will hopefully be joining Tems on the top charts!
