Whether it’s Tems or Ayra Starr in the first or second spot, any list of top female acts is valid with them at the top. Even among their male counterparts, they wouldn’t fall short of the top 10. Many of us got to know Tems through her features on Alté albums around 2018/2019 with Lady Donli, Ladipoe, or Show Dem Camp.
However, the major attraction to her has been her powerful, super unique voice. If we look at the music industry today, there is rarely anyone with a remotely similar voice. This alone elevates her above her peers. Besides her one-of-a-kind voice, she also has massive commercial success to back her up.
As used in previous evaluations, there are established measures to evaluate each artist’s case for consideration in the Big 4:
1. Longevity
2. Consistency
3. Multiple Quality Projects
4. Commercial Performance
5. Star Power (local and international)
Longevity
Unlike most others we have highlighted, it might seem early to judge Tems’s longevity. However, debuting in 2018, she has been active and on top of her game for six years, with just a handful of songs and two EPs. These years have been very full even without an album from her, which is set to drop soon.
Consistency
Tems has shown not to be one for frequent releases. In her early years, she was consistent, but this fizzled out towards 2022 to the present day. However, as previously measured, consistency can be twofold. She has converted most of her scant releases into massive hits, making her permissible in this regard. Although she is not strongly consistent in dropping new music recently, she has been able to convert her releases into hits.
Multiple Quality Projects
Tems has released a total of two extended plays, and those two projects are unarguably in the Nigerian R&B hall of fame. She massively impressed with her two EPs, which are among the best debut and sophomore offerings we have ever seen. Her debut EP being primarily produced by her showcases the depths of her talent and earned her extra accolades.
Commercial Performance
There is no need for long talk about Tems’s commercial performance, just facts. Tems is the first African female artist to debut atop the Hot 100 with her feature alongside Drake on Future’s single “Wait for U.” She has also had solo hits on the charts since. Additionally, she has had features from Beyoncé and Rihanna.
At the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, Tems, along with Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and Ryan Coogler, received a nomination for “Best Original Song — Motion Picture” for “Lift Me Up.” In 2023, she made history by winning a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for “Wait for U,” becoming the first female Nigerian artist to achieve this Grammy milestone. Tems won the Female MVP award at the Soundcity MVP Awards in February 2023, attended the Met Gala in May, and was listed on the 2023 Time 100 Next list. In March 2024, she became the first African singer to win a Billboard Women in Music Award in the Breakthrough category.
Star Power
As established, a three-category performance parameter will be employed to determine star power: fan base, impact on culture, and live performance. Firstly, Tems has a solid following from basically every Nigerian music fan, including admirers. Furthermore, her impact on music culture has been massive, becoming the first female African act to achieve a handful of feats as mentioned earlier. Additionally, she has had a significant impact on Nigerian Alté and R&B. Moreover, her live performances have spanned mostly shows and festivals. However, she has not yet made a major solo show, which will likely come with her forthcoming album tour.
By evaluating these parameters, we want to know if you feel Tems’s inclusion in the Big 4 is valid. Share your thoughts on our Twitter page.
