Nigeria: Tems scores RCA deal, named Apple Up Next artist

RCA chairperson and CEO Peter Edge in a statement said that Tems was an “incredible artist” whose “style and vocal abilities know no bounds. There’s no doubt she’ll accomplish great things and we can’t wait to see Tems flourish.” 

Since ’93 co-president Glyn Aikins said: “[Tems is] a once-in-a-generation artist whose originality and style is second to none.”

Tems said: “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.”

Apple Music is featuring the singer in its ‘Up Next’ programme for rising artists. Highlights of Tems’ Up Next campaign include a mini-documentary available via Apple Music and Jimmy Kimmel Live! performance on 29 September. Up Next alumni include Burna Boy, Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny, among others.

“I’m so so excited to be selected as the Apple Music Up Next artist,” Tems said. “I’m happy that I can share my story and the story of where I am from. Sending huge love to Apple Music for encouraging artists, and providing the visibility needed to impact societies on a global scale.”

Tems added that her Up Next accolade 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.”

The moves further amplify her craft to a global audience. Tems has accrued acclaim for her unique blend of R&B and soul with African nuances, a technique that has attracted attention from international stars including Chris Brown and Drake, who features Tems on his latest album Certified Lover Boy. She also appears on Wizkid’s chart-topping single ‘Essence,’ a Justin Bieber-assisted remix which was recently released. Tems is behind the For Broken Ears EP, and singles such as ‘Mr Rebel’ and ‘Try Me’. A YouTube Music Foundry alumna, she has also been singled out by Spotify as an emerging African artist to watch.