Tems releases a surprise EP Love is a Kingdom, a seven-track mix of Afrobeats and 90s-inspired R&B.
The Nigerian singer-songwriter, who studied in Johannesburg at IIE MSA (formely Monash) and toured South Africa earlier this year, has built a strong connection with South African audiences, making this release quite resonant with her local fanbase. Love is a Kingdom arrives just 17 months after her widely acclaimed studio album Born in the Wild.
Seven Tracks with a 90’s Influence
The seven-track EP, distributed through Since ’93 and RCA Records, has strong ’90s-influences and infuses toned down altè instrumentals – a mix of soul, Afrobeats, and R&B. It takes the listener through the motions of love and power dynamics, while also exploring themes of spirituality, self-discovery, and self-worth through her falsetto vocals.
The mostly self-produced album, with additional production from collaborators GuiltyBeatz and AoD, runs just under 20 minutes.
A Track-by-Track Look Tems’ EP
Tems’ new EP Love is a Kingdom opens with an aptly titled track, First, which sets the tone for the project. The song exudes self-love and empowerment, with lyrics like “They know I’m different”, while blending Afrobeats rhythms with her RnB and soulful vocals. The beat’s bounce gives it a danceable feel, making it a perfect club anthem or great selection for jam sessions.
I’m Not Sure addresses the blurred lines in a relationship and evokes a desire for clarity, backed by a catchy percussion beat.
Big Daddy – The Bold Lead Track from Tems’ Surprise EP
This leads us into Big Daddy, for which she released a visualiser video that debuted alongside the EP. The song continues the up-tempo vibe of the project, with its ’90s influences evident in everything from the style of her outfit to the minimalist set featuring vintage TVs. The track is about a man with no ambition but a big ego, with lyrics like “No ambition, he’s a loser ayy”. This is also the focus track, serving as the lead single of the EP.
Lagos Love, titled after her native Lagos, stands out. And from the lyrics, it feels like a love letter to her home city and a reaffirmation of her identity. However, true to RnB form, the lyrics also nudge toward a romantic interest.
Mine is another dance anthem, with straightforward lyrics. On this track, she plays with her signature falsetto, delivering a catchy hook and some intentional ad-libs.
Love is a Kingdom slows down more than halfway through
What You Need introduces a more stripped-down set of tracks. Reminiscent of ’90s RnB, with a laid-back beat, paired with her sultry vocals, making it one of the intimate moments on the EP. The song is about reckoning with oneself and ultimately letting go of a relationship. She first previewed it on Instagram Live in December 2022.
There Is a Reason is the last track on Love is a Kingdom. It’s also stripped down, featuring just a guitar and her vocals, allowing her to really show off her vocal abilities. The song turns inward, offering the listener an introspective inquiry and a moment of reflection. A beautiful way to end the EP.
Tems proves once again why she’s one of the continent’s most exciting artists with Love is a Kingdom. From the empowering opener First to the reflective closer There Is a Reason, the EP shows off her falsetto vocals, production skills and emotional depth. With this surprise release, Tems’ EP Love is a Kingdom feels intimate, bold, and is a reminder of her contribution to global music as a contemporary African artist.
