Tems Shares New Single "Love Me Jeje"

Tems has been on a revelatory run.

Earlier this month, on April 15, she announced her debut album Born in the Wild, just days after she thrilled concert goers at the Coachella festival. In the cinematic trailer for the album, the Nigerian singer born Temilade Openiyi moved with assured reflection through Lagos, the vivacious and colorful city which thrilled her younger years. That visual announcement was scored by the stripped, soulful sonics Tems has made her forte over the years.

Shortly after that announcement, Tems revealed the imminent release of “Love Me Jeje.” Fans were already excited with the direction of the record, as she performed an earthy live version to the Coachella audience, directing them through its verses and the catchy chorus.

“Love Me Jeje,” which is officially out now, interpolates the chorus of the 1997 hit from Nigerian singer-songwriter Seyi Sodimu and Shaffy Bello (the former shared a video of Tems' performance, no doubt thrilled by this modern interpretation of his record). Now released, there’s even more to like about Tems’ song: pulling the original’s suave optimism into her distinct vocal register, it finds new footing and brings that classic vibe to the new generation of African listeners.

Expected in May, Born in the Wild brings a beautiful culmination to the international success Tems has enjoyed since the release of her sophomore EP, If Orange Was A Place, in September 2021. Among many prestigious others, she has won the Best Melodic Rap Performance at Grammys for her contribution to Future and Drake’s “WAIT FOR YOU." She also received the BET Award for Best International Act and was named Best Female Act at the Academy Awards.

By the end of last year, rumors of a debut album were going around and Tems released two singles as if to further intensify them. Those records — “Me & U” and “Not An Angel” — revealed an expanding sonic palette for Tems, immersing herself deeper into the soul tradition while demonstrating pristine playfulness, as on the former, and poignant reflection, as on the latter.

Her recent songs demonstrate an artist who still has immense possibilities within her style, and the shimmering cadence of “Love Me Jeje” reiterates that. With May only some days away, the album couldn't be any more anticipated.

Listen to "Love Me Jeje" above and watch the album trailer below.