After a year filled with highlights—including a critically acclaimed debut EP, 2020’s For Broken Ears, and hit collaborations with Wizkid, Justin Bieber (“Essence”), and Drake (“Fountains”)—Nigerian alté R&B singer-songwriter Tems leans into a newfound sense of creative freedom on her sophomore EP. “I have learnt to let go and just live life and just do what comes naturally to me,” she tells Apple Music. “It has helped me find a new freedom of expression and a new vibe that isn't based on past experiences but present moments.” Through its five tracks, If Orange Was a Place creates ample space for Tems’ distinctive voice to shine as she navigates through themes of finding inner peace and staying true to self. “Orange is a vibe,” she explains. “It is the feeling of sunset and the sweetness of an orange. And when I think of those songs, I am transported to a different place where everything is warm and sweet.”
Lyrically and sonically, Tems (Temilade Openiyi) represents an alté sound driving a new wave of African R&B—one centered on mood, expression, and originality, and one less concerned with trying to sound too familiar. “Growing up in Nigeria has created the rebel in me when it comes to my sound,” she explains, “and what motivates me to move every morning. All the encounters I have had brought out that rebel in me in different ways—the rebel that dares to do things her own way.” Here, Tems shares a snapshot of the EP, track by track.
“Crazy Tings”
“This song was inspired by the crazy amazing things that have been going on in my life, and it was made in Ghana. The beat was played to me by GuiltyBeatz and I was surrounded by orange light and alcohol. The vibes just flowed in afterwards.”
“Found” (feat. Brent Faiyaz)
“I was in LA with Brent; he is such an amazing artist. He always knows how to bring a different perspective. The song is really about releasing different thoughts in my head and reconciling them with my truth.”
“Replay”
“This song was just my rebel side coming out. Again, this was just me expressing my thoughts on opinions and all types of energies I encounter. It’s me reiterating who I am. The song was produced by Jonah Christian.”
“Avoid Things”
“I am someone who doesn’t like unnecessary disputes that lead nowhere, and ‘Avoid Things’ is about my [desire] to provide solutions, but being met with resistance, madness, and crazy things.”
“Vibe Out”
“‘Vibe Out’ is the setting of the sun and getting prepared to move. It is what I call the ‘ginger’ and the burst of dance…the sunset dance.”