Nigerian music star Tems continues to soar on the global stage, achieving yet another remarkable milestone with her debut album, Born In The Wild. Billboard has ranked the project as the #2 Best R&B Album of 2024, affirming Tems’ position as one of the most influential African artists of her generation.
Since breaking into international prominence, Tems has captivated audiences worldwide with her soul-stirring vocals and deeply introspective music. Her debut album, Born In The Wild, marks a defining moment in her career, as it not only stands as a testament to her artistic prowess but also breaks barriers for African artists in the global R&B space.
Billboard’s recognition of Born In The Wild highlights Tems as the only African artist on the prestigious list, which also features albums from global R&B icons like Chris Brown, PartyNextDoor, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.
In their review, Billboard lauded Tems for her unique sound, emphasizing how her music transcends the “Afrobeats” label and resonates across continents.
“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born In The Wild. She opens up about surviving her mental wilderness and learning to thrive in it on the opening acoustic ballad that shares the album’s title.
And on the mid-tempo standout ‘Burning,’ Tems confronts the trappings of her newfound stardom but finds comfort in the collective struggle. As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.”
The album has already achieved impressive milestones, becoming Tems’ highest-charting project on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums, where it peaked at No. 5. It also marked her debut entry on the Billboard 200, reaching No. 56.
Born In The Wild further solidified Tems’ impact with Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance for her single Love Me Jeje. Notably, her track Burning earned her a groundbreaking nomination for Best R&B Song, highlighting the versatility and depth of her artistry.
Tems’ ability to seamlessly blend global sounds while staying true to her roots has set her apart as a trailblazer in the global music scene. Her achievements with Born In The Wild not only underscore her talent but also reinforce the idea that African music is far more diverse and expansive than any singular genre label can define.
With her latest accolades, Tems continues to inspire millions and pave the way for African artists to thrive on the global stage.
