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Temilade Openiyi “Tems” has been a groundbreaking icon who has been a role model for many Nigerian youth. Her contemplative lyrics create a space for conversations that are often frowned upon by Nigerian communities. Through open dialogue about personal struggles and mental health she helps to destigmatize these topics. Her honesty and vulnerability are refreshing, allowing her to stand out in the music industry. Her debut album, “Born in the Wild” offers insight into her struggles and her journey in overcoming them.
“Born in the Wild” promises to take her listeners on a journey to her roots in the art capital of Nigeria, Lagos. While rooted in Afrobeats, she incorporates elements of neo-soul and alternative R&B. With a sampling of two iconic African hits, “Love Me Jeje” by Seyi Sodara and “1er Gaou” by Magic System. By creating her sound and breaking barriers, as her mother states in the “Special baby” interlude “people to be perplexed and angry and leading them to wonder, Why Temi?” Temilade means I am the crown. Temilade Oyeni is this generation’s queen of Afrosoul and her accolades fulfill that prophecy of her name.
The albums are telling stories again! Electrifying the scene with her first record Mr Rebel made her a person to watch. Tems is no newbie to this industry, with writing and producer credits, collaborating with the world's biggest stars, and featuring on blockbuster soundtracks. The Nigerian icon has been rocking both the African and International music scenes. With her unique sound, she has carved her niche and sealed her spot at the top.
The highly anticipated album is filled with 18 tracks, two interludes, and two features from J. Cole and Asake. One of the standout features of every Tems feature is her musicality, she is a producer as well as a vocalist. Tems' production and instrumentation showcase a sophisticated yet simple blend of modern electronic elements with traditional African musical inspirations, which results in a distinctive sound. Her voice takes center stage, delivering an emotive feeling in her sound. Tems' niche is notable in the layering, beats, and background vocals.
This album is a beautifully composed narrative arc. The story beginnings with visiting her roots, “I grew up in the wilderness and didn’t know much about openness.” She speaks about her doubts, raw emotions and reminiscing on her youth in the first two tracks. In the following five tracks, she comes into her own stating, “The world is mine and the time is now.” Describing her rise and the inner desire to glow and shine, she explores themes of renewal. In “Ready,” she declares “I won't hide, I’m ready for the game; I’m about to win.” The next four tracks describe her disdain for unproductive relationships as she is ready to gain back her freedom. In “Free ****Fall,” she sings “I had enough, I had to run.” The interludes focus on the power of her village that speak words of life unto her. The last five tracks are about how she overcame obstacles and encouragement to herself and her listeners, with lines like “Let me remind you, You are gonna find it.., it's gonna find you,” in “Hold On.”
“Born in the Wild” feels like an invitation into an intimate space of Temilade’s life. Filled with the themes of fire, renewal, faith, and light that encompass her soul. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, her stardom and success challenge traditional ideologies and empower young women to pursue music and excel in it. Tems unique sound and loyalty to her Nigerian roots show the reality of attaining international recognition while being true to herself. Her message to African youth and the world is about the power of embarking on a journey with honesty, experiencing it truthfully and leaning on your community. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but you don’t have to carry it on your own.