What is the best Tems album to start with?

The best album to start with is "For Broken Ears" (2020). It's the most representative of what makes Tems worth hearing.

What are the best Tems albums?

The essential Tems albums include "For Broken Ears" (2020), "Damages" (2020) and "If Orange Was a Place" (2021).

How many albums does Tems have?

Tems has 22 releases in their discography, including 2 albums and 3 EPs.

Photo: NdaniTV · CC BY 3.0

Tems

Q: Who is Tems for?

If you're into Afrobeat and alternative R&B, Tems is worth your time. Tems creates a textured experience characterized by rich vocal layers and rhythmic intricacies that evoke an immersive sense of yearning and connection.

Tems creates a textured experience characterized by rich vocal layers and rhythmic intricacies that evoke an immersive sense of yearning and connection.

Afrobeat · Afrobeats · alternative R&B

Nigeria

Read about Tems on Bookshop

Start here

The album

For Broken Ears (2020)

Showcases Tems' signature sound with rich vocals and rhythmic depth, providing a cohesive introduction to her style in a compact format.

The song

“Essence”

An engaging track that highlights her vocal prowess and Afrobeat influences, making it a strong standalone introduction to her artistry.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Ice T" — from For Broken Ears (2020)

accessible entry with immediate hook
2

"Crazy Tings" — from If Orange Was a Place (2021)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Tems

Tems matters as a transformative force in contemporary music, bringing Afrobeat into the global consciousness with an emotional depth that resonates far beyond geographical boundaries.

Her ability to infuse personal experiences and broader cultural narratives into her sound has shifted how audiences engage with genres often marginalized in mainstream discourse, creating a space for new dialogues around identity, empowerment, and resilience. Her approach is marked by a meticulous blending of traditional African rhythms with modern production techniques, establishing a sonic landscape that feels both familiar and refreshingly innovative. Tems often collaborates with artists across various genres, seamlessly weaving her distinct voice into different musical contexts while maintaining a strong sense of self, which cultivates an atmosphere of authenticity throughout her work. Lyrically, Tems frequently explores themes of love, self-discovery, and emotional vulnerability, crafting narratives that are deeply personal yet universally relatable. Her writing strikes a balance between sincerity and introspection, employing evocative imagery that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences while retaining an overarching sense of hopefulness.

2 studio albums· 22 total releases· 7 years· Nigeria