Apple Music today announces the latest featured artist in its new platform, Africa Rising as Nigerian songstress and producer, Tems (real name Temilade Openiyi).
“I’m blessed to be the next rising artist out of Africa, especially during times like these,” commented Tems.
Recently topping the Apple Music Nigeria charts with her debut EP For Broken Ears, this stunning 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”.
A self-actualized body of work, 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.
After earning two degrees, Tems felt compelled to shape her own future by quitting her digital marketing job in 2018 to release her debut single “Mr Rebel.” The risk paid off as the single and its follow-up, 2019’s “Try Me”, quickly took off across Nigeria, instantly cementing Tems as one of the countries’ most sought after voices.
With millions of streams on the latter and applause from the likes of The FADER, Complex, OkayAfrica, The Face, and more, not to mention shooting the cover of Nigeria’s biggest cultural and tastemaker title, Native Magazine, earlier this year, Tems has gone on to collaborate with the likes of Khalid, Disclosure, Davido, Wizkid, DRB Lasgidi and Odunsi (The Engine).
Tems chatted to Nadeska on her Apple Music 1 show about how it feels to be the latest Africa Rising artist. Listen to the interview at apple.co/nadeska.
The latest music from Tems, along with that of Africa’s hottest new artists, is available now on the Apple Music Africa Rising Playlist .
Apple Music’s Africa Rising, is an exclusive artist development programme and companion playlist geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent and introducing the next generation of African superstars. Africa Rising will see Apple Music select six artists every year who will each receive a minimum of two months of editorial support across the Apple Music platform including the new Apple Music 1 radio station. Previous Africa Rising Artists alumni include Omah Lay and Manu WorldStar.
Africa Rising is the latest of many Apple Music initiatives aimed at taking African talent to the world. Now available in 33 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa, Apple Music 1 is home to Africa Now Radio with host Cuppy which has featured interviews with some of the continent’s hottest artists such as Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Cassper Nyovest, Mr Eazi, Patoranking, Rayvanny, Kiddominant, Mayorkun, Fireboy DML, Adekunle Gold and Master KG.
Apple Music also selected Nigerian Afropop star Rema as its latest Up Next artist, following the addition of Burna Boy to the roster last year and Mr Eazi back in 2017. Up Next is Apple Music’s global emerging artist program.
About Apple Music
Apple loves music. With iPod and iTunes, Apple revolutionized the music experience by putting a thousand songs in your pocket. Today, Apple Music takes this to the ultimate with over 70 million songs, thousands of playlists, and daily selections from the world’s best music experts, including all of the artists and hosts broadcasting daily across its Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country global live streams. Since 2015, Apple Music has welcomed tens of millions of subscribers in 167 countries. Streaming seamlessly to iPhone, iPad, iPod, Apple Watch, Apple TV, Mac, CarPlay and on Android devices, Apple Music is the most complete music experience on the planet. Apple Music offers a free 3-month trial with no commitment and is ad-free.
