Tems Performs Two New Unreleased Songs on NPR Tiny Desk Concert
Tems performed two unreleased songs, “Unfortunate” and “Forever,” from her upcoming debut album, Born in the Wild, on NPR Tiny Desk.
Before starting the first new song, she revealed, “The next song is from my new album, and it’s never been heard before. So it’s really special,” adding, “It’s called ‘Unfortunate,’ and it’s about me being a victim of an unfortunate situation.”
Her set also included “Love Me JeJe” and “Me & U,” which she released as singles earlier this year.
Even more excited for the album https://t.co/siXsIugsV6
— jonathan (@jiggsbe) June 3, 2024
“Love Me JeJe” is an ode to Seyi Sodimu’s original song. The artist spoke about its cultural significance in Nigeria and to herself, sharing, “It was inspired by a Nigerian classic called ‘Love Me Jeje.’ And it’s really close to me because I remember when I was like five. That’s when I heard this song and fell in love with it. All my parents, all the oldheads in Nigeria, they love this song. So this is how it goes. It’s a call and response.”
The record producer returned to NPR for the second time after her Tiny Desk (Home) Concert in 2021 during promotions for her first EP, For Broken Ears.
The “Essence” singer’s new album comes just in time for Black Music Month, giving NPR another reason to begin the month with her performance.
In the video’s description, NPR wrote, “We’re releasing nine Tiny Desk concerts from Black women artists, from veterans who’ve paved the way for what we hear today in Black music, to those who are carving out their own paths.”
Tems also performed “Ice T’ from For Broken Ears.
Last week, the Nigerian singer revealed the Born in the Wild tracklist. Days after the album’s release, she will kick off her Born in the Wild World Tour, starting in London on June 12. So far, she has been confirmed to play shows in Europe, North America, and Australia, with dates for Africa and Asia yet to be announced.
Fans can pre-save the album here while they await its release on June 7 and enjoy Tem’s Tiny Desk performance below.
