My style of music is unique to me, no one else has done it in Nigeria – Tems

Nigerian singer and producer, Tems was recently as Apple Music’s Africa Rising artist after topping the Apple Music Nigeria charts with her debut EP For Broken Ears.

The seven-track collection was primarily written and produced by Tems herself, with additional production by Oddio, Spaxand Omeiza, and comes alongside a music video directed by Demola Falomo (Rema, Santi) for the EP’s lead single “Damages”.

Speaking to Ameyaw TV about the success of the EP, Tems attributed it largely to the uniqueness of her sound and style. “I believe I am the first person to come out and do it like this. I don’t think anybody has done it like this before in the history of Nigeria. Just because everything is solely organic. It has to do with me being myself and I say this because the fans I have are not just young people, there are a lot of parents and people in their 50s and 60s who listen to me.”

Watch the full interview below

For Broken Ears is a startling introduction to a fully formed creative force who refuses to play by anyone else’s rules. Tems has deep richness to her vocal that is reminiscent of Koffee or Tracy Chapman, and her undeniable hooks and additional blend of soul and language is exquisitely unique. From the carefree and vibey “Ice T” through to the introspective and vulnerable “Higher”, the EP runs through the full spectrum of human emotion yet always remaining both relatable, honest, and genuinely fun.