To hear Tems confess her shyness was a revelation, considering her commanding stage presence. Her effortless ability to captivate and exude confidence makes her vulnerability all the more endearing. During her recent Tiny Desk performance, the Nigerian singer-songwriter took a bold step by performing songs from her upcoming debut album, “Born in the Wild.”
Since her Tiny Desk (home) concert a couple of years ago, Tems has experienced a meteoric rise. She has amassed numerous awards, including a Grammy, collaborated with Beyoncé, and penned songs for Rihanna. These accomplishments have solidified her presence in the music scene, and her new tracks reflect her growth and the time well spent honing her craft.
The set opened with “Me & U,” followed by “Ice T.” “Unfortunate” showcased Tems’ evolving style, leaning more towards R&B than her signature Afrobeats. “Forever” stunned the audience with her impressive vocal range, and “Love Me JeJe” emerged as the standout track. Despite being unreleased at the time, its infectious rhythm and engaging call-and-response had the room buzzing.
Set List:
- “Me & U”
- “Ice T”
- “Unfortunate”
- “Forever”
- “Love Me JeJe“
Tems’ performance not only highlights her journey but also sets the stage for what promises to be an exciting debut album.
