“This is for anyone looking for an alternative to the darkness. This is for those who need a break from the toxicity they consume and supply on a daily basis. This is for the rebels because they expected us to follow them but we made our own path, by the Grace of God. This is FOR BROKEN EARS.”
– Tems.
On the 25th of September, Temilade Openiyi (stage name: Tems) released her debut EP, For Broken Ears, and I opine that it’s the best thing after sliced bread. Tems became a breakout star after the release of her single ‘Try Me’ found love with mainstream music fans. She is one of the frontrunners of the Nigerian Alté community, alongside Odunsi (The Engine), Santi, Lady Donli, Show DEM Camp, DRB Lasgidi among others.
Tems is a singer, songwriter and producer in her own right. She explores genres like afro soul, RnB, Afrobeats or a blend of all three.. Ever since her introduction to the scene, she has been consistently belting out new music which immediately after release becomes fan favourites. In May 2020, she released These Days which debuted at No. 3 of Apple Music’s Nigeria’s Top 100. Shortly after, she engaged in a collaboration with Khalid and Davido on a remix of Khalid’s Know Your Worth. Two Fridays back, she released Damages off her EP and since then, it has been on a steady climb on top music charts.
For Broken Ears properly introduces us to ‘the leading vibe’ Tems as an artiste who makes sincere music for her audience. The 7-track project explores a mix of relatable lyrical content, extraordinary vocal range, mix-up of beats, and good vibes, all that Tems is known for. Here, we experience the journey of a young woman, her struggles to make a firm stand in the music industry, love and life in general. The Temilade interlude is especially heart-warming, where her (Tems’) mother tells us about the events leading up to her child’s birth, stating that ‘she’s a special baby’. Listening to this album, I felt a deeper connection to the artiste as a person, going through every moment as she wrote, recorded, and produced this work of art. It was truly beautiful.
The EP was mixed and mastered by Omeiza and Spax and executively produced by Tems, Wale Davies & Muyiwa Awoniyi.
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Listen to For Broken Ears on Apple music or Audiomack and share your thoughts!.
Watch Damages off the EP here:
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