Fast rising Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tems has been announced as Apple Music’s September Up Next artiste.
The Up Next program is Apple Music’s monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent.
It’s been a great couple days for Tems as she just announced her signing to Since ’93/RCA Records. She also just dropped her latest project, titled If Orange Was A Place.
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Tems, a dynamic songwriter and producer is currently in the midst of a whirlwind time. A year ago, she released her first EP, For Broken Ears, which was the top R&B album in 43 countries. The Isale Eko native boasts a blend of R&B and Soul paired with African nuances to create her unique sound.
“I’m so so excited to be selected as the Apple Music Up Next artist,” says Tems. “I’m happy that I can share my story and the story of where I am from. Sending huge love to Apple Music for encouraging artists, and providing the visibility needed to impact societies on a global scale.”
Tems’ songs have been prominently featured on Apple Music playlists such as Afrobeats Hits, Africa Now, Top 100: Nigeria. She was also deemed an Apple Music ‘Africa Rising‘ artist and has curated exclusive guest playlists for Apple Music Africa Month and Holiday Sounds, and she even contributed to Apple Music’s Exclusive Original Playlist: Juneteenth 2021: Freedom Songs.
ALSO READ: Drake features Tems in new album ‘Certified Lover Boy’
“Tems once told me that ‘being yourself actually takes more courage than people would imagine,” said Apple Music 1 host Nadeska. “In her career that has meant ignoring opinions and pressure to compromise her music, while constantly defying expectations. Her debut EP was raw and addictive, leaving fans hungry for her next release. And no matter how her songwriting evolves, her unique and captivating vocal tone will bring her the spotlight on any original or feature record she touches” She added.
In her Up Next film, Tems tells Apple Music: “My decision to quit my job, that leap that I took, literally everything was just coming together. Just off ’Try Me’ alone I had a lot of shows. I couldn’t go out anymore, I couldn’t go to the supermarket anymore, I was like, ‘ok something is happening.’ ’Try Me’ came out of that strife, and I really wanted it to mean something, especially for Nigerians, people that live in this country, because things are hard.”
