Encapsulating Tems’ journey and growth over the past two years is nearly impossible. Backed by a small but powerful team, she has witnessed unfathomable levels of success with countless accolades under her belt not many can brag about. It goes without saying that Tems is the moment and she knows it. Her gradual rise a few short years ago was soundtracked by her gleaming debut extended play, ‘For Broken Ears,’ with standout tracks like “Damages.” As the single began topping charts across the country, Tems’ vocal assistance on Wizkid’s “Essence” was prepping her for global dominance. And by the time Tems added Grammy-Nominated for “Essence” to her list of accolades, her buttery vocals, skilled songwriting, mastery of production and undeniable star power were primed to leave in trailblazing impact on world audiences.

As Tems trotted the globe in countless sold out shows, she bagged peerless features with international artists on a number of tracks like Drake’s “Fountains” off ‘Certified Lover Boy’ or Brent Faiyaz-assisted “Found” off her 2021 sophomore release, ‘If Orange Was A Place.’ A cedar standout from this impressive stack was Drake and Future’s “WAIT FOR U.” The FNZ and ATL Jacobs-produced track, which went on to win Tems her first grammy, sampled “Higher,” one of the closing tracks from her debut EP, ‘For Broken Ears.’ More than anything, it provided clear evidence of Tems’ versatility and penchant for making timeless tracks in a ways that an originally brooding R&B track went on to introduce one of the biggest Hip-Hop singles of 2022. She went on to voice the trailer of ‘Black Panther 2: Wakanda Forever’ with a cover of Bob Marley’s “No Woman, No Cry,” as well as writing credits for Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up.”On step further, she graces Beyonce’s “MOVE” alongside Grace Jones on ‘RENAISSANCE.’

However, breaking international boundaries never stopped Tems from solidifying her ground work in these parts. She joins Show Dem Camp for the Nigerian Rap duo’s third iteration, ‘Palmwine Music 3’, dubbed “Live Life.” When the groovy, drum led beat arrives, Tems’ silvery vocals urge listeners live life to the fullest without any apologies. Tems is evidently basking in the limelight as she continues navigating her glorious journey to stardom, all the while looking the part with the aid of her friend and personal stylist, Dunsin Wright. That being said, now couldn’t be a more perfect time for a debut album and as promised by a series of cryptic tweets in the past months, her recently released solo, “Me & U,” leads us down that path.

“This is my decision, my decision/I don’t think you listen,” Tems affirmatively croons on the track’s first note, accompanied by soft guitar strums and daunting piano chords. Her words appear clear—assisted by background humming melodies—as she directly addresses her relationship with her maker, characterised by moments of faith and doubt. When the GuiltyBeatz-produced pre-hook rolls around, a rhythmic drum pattern backs Tems repetitive croons, “Only me and you,” where she expresses her dedication to Christ. “Make me you matter, make me your person” she continues over a dance-tinged cadence. By the time the track draws to a close, Tems has not only piqued new interests but also set the tone for her debut album and how she plans on traversing life’s tumultuous path. One thing’s certain, no matter the time that has passed or the heights she reaches, Tems will always be unafraid to speak her truth.

[Featured Image Credits/The NATIVE]