Augustina OkpechiFollowing the release of her sophomore Ep If Orange Was a Place on September 14, songwriter and producer Tems scores a recording deal with Since ‘93/RCA Records and pronounced the latest addition to Apple Music Up Next program.
“My team and I have been working really hard over the years, now we’re in a new season and on a higher level and things can only get better as we reach more people all over the world. I’m looking forward to this new partnership with Since ‘93/RCA and working with their talented teams as we enter in this next chapter” says Tems.
According to GIyn Aikins, co-president of Since ‘93/RCA, “Tems is a once-in-a-generation artist whose originality and style is second to none.” “She is an incredible artist whose style and vocal abilities know no bounds. There is no doubt that she’ll accomplish great things and we can’t wait to see Tems flourish” continues Peter Edge, CEO and Chairperson of Since ‘93/RCA.
Tems first Ep For Broken Ears which was released last year, was the top R&B album in 43 countries, receiving accolades from Drake, Chris Brown and others. Tems also appears on Drake’s newest album, Certified Lover Boy, as well as Wizkid’s standout single, ‘Essence,’ which has held the #1 position on Shazam’s Top 200 Charts. Dubbed the “song of the summer” by critics/fans, the track went #1 at Urban Radio and #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, with a new version recently released with Justin Bieber.
On being selected as Apple Music Up Next Artist, an Apple Music monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising artists, Tems says that she is excited and “happy that I can share my story and the story of where I’m from.” She further went on to appreciate Apple Music for “encouraging artist and providing the visibility needed to impact societies on a global scale”, adding that Up Next represents a huge opportunity “to really allow people to get to know me a bit more and see a bit more into my life and get a bit more perspective on who I am and where I’m from and what my life is about and where the music comes from. Everything that comes with it is an opportunity to be seen and to be maybe understood a bit more”.
Highlights of her Up Next campaign include a mini-documentary available via Apple Music and Jimmy Kimmel Live! performance on 29 September.
Tems, a native of Lagos State, in her mini-documentary, shared details of her journey, growing up with a single mom in Lagos, being extremely introverted, and afraid to use her regular singing voice, afraid that it was too “textured.” She also talked about getting a job right out of university because she thought she had to provide and that was what her family wanted.
Alumna of YouTube Music Foundry, Tems has also been singled out by Spotify as an emerging African artist to watch out for.
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