Nearly six years after her breakout single “Mr Rebel,” Nigerian sensation Tems finally drops her debut album, Born in the Wild. The album captures her meteoric rise from her acclaimed 2020 EP For Broken Ears to her global hits with Wizkid, Justin Bieber, and Drake, and her contributions to Beyoncé’s RENAISSANCE and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. Tems’ ascent has been marked by awards, including a Grammy for “Wait for U” with Future and Drake in 2023.
Born in the Wild is an 18-track exploration of Tems’ personal and professional evolution. It’s a blend of heartfelt storytelling and genre-blending sounds, highlighting her growth and resilience. Tems describes the album as a journey from self-doubt to self-acceptance, emphasizing her unique voice and perspective.
Key Tracks:
- “Born in the Wild”: A transformation anthem, illustrating Tems’ evolution from a mental wilderness to self-acceptance and empowerment.
- “Burning”: Reflects on Tems’ initial fame and the internal battles she faced, emphasizing shared human struggles and personal triggers.
- “Love Me JeJe“: A reimagined version of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 hit, celebrating the joy of unconditional love.
- “Get It Right” (feat. Asake): A conversation about trust and support in a relationship, highlighting mutual understanding and exploration.
- “Unfortunate”: Finding strength in disappointment, recognizing the benefits of early revelations of untrustworthiness.
- “Forever”: The aftermath of a breakup, depicting Tems’ growth and the satisfaction of moving on while observing her ex’s desperation.
- “Free Fall” (feat. J. Cole): Reflecting on a relationship that couldn’t sustain itself, recognizing the need for boundaries to avoid emotional drain.
- “Me & U“: A reconnection with God and inner truth, embracing faith and honesty about oneself.
- “You in My Face”: A conversation with her inner child, seeking peace and hoping not to lose herself again.
Born in the Wild showcases Tems’ evolution as an artist and a person, blending R&B, Afrobeats, and amapiano with powerful, reflective songwriting. This album marks a significant milestone in her career, setting the stage for her continued ascent in the music world. Stream below and add to your playlist here.
