Just when we thought the year was winding down, Tems delivered a surprise. Tems’ new EP Love Is a Kingdom has landed without warning. Indeed, it is a masterclass in artistic autonomy. Following her acclaimed debut Born In The Wild, this seven-track project is distinct. The Nigerian superstar strips back the guest features to stand almost entirely alone. Remarkably, she wrote, composed, and produced the bulk of the record herself.
A Journey of Confrontation and Clarity
This isn’t just a collection of love songs. Rather, it is a reclamation of self. Tems has always thrived in tension. Here, she navigates it with a cosmopolitan, sagacious edge. The opener, “First,” sets a defiant tone. Tems declares she is “hanging by herself these days.” In doing so, she rejects control and prioritizes her own peace.
Similarly, tracks like “Big Daddy” see her in full confrontational mode. She questions the loyalty of fair-weather friends over a euphoric Afropop bounce. Yet, she balances this bite with disarming tenderness. For instance, “Lagos Love” offers a sultry ode to connection. Meanwhile, the acoustic closer “Is There A Reason?” taps into a new level of vocal vulnerability.
The public reaction has been instant and reverent. Fans are calling the project a “masterpiece” of emotional honesty. Ultimately, it is a cohesive, transitional body of work. It proves Tems doesn’t need a crowd to make a statement. In her kingdom, she reigns supreme. Her truth is the only law.
