Nigerian songstress Temilade Openiyi, globally acclaimed as Tems, is riding high on a wave of jubilation following the triumphant conclusion of the North American leg of her debut world tour, aptly titled “Born in the Wild.” This milestone marks not just a personal victory for the rising star, but a significant moment in the ongoing global ascendancy of Afrobeats and African music at large.
The “Born in the Wild” tour, which kicked off in San Diego and swept through major cities including Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, and Chicago, has been nothing short of a phenomenon. Sold-out venues, rapturous crowds, and critical acclaim have followed Tems at every stop, cementing her status as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary music.
Tems’ journey from Lagos to international stardom has been meteoric. Her breakthrough came with the hit single “Try Me” in 2019, but it was her feature on Wizkid’s global smash “Essence” that catapulted her to worldwide recognition. Since then, she has collaborated with Drake, won a Grammy for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U,” and become the first Nigerian artist to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Reflecting on the tour’s success, Tems shared her elation in an exclusive interview: “This tour has been a dream come true. To see fans singing my lyrics back to me in cities I’ve never been to before – it’s surreal. I’m overwhelmed by the love and support.”
The significance of Tems’ North American conquest cannot be overstated. Music industry analyst Chidi Okeke explains, “What Tems has achieved with this tour is remarkable. She’s not just performing; she’s introducing a new sound, a new energy to the global stage. This tour is a statement that Afrobeats and African artists are here to stay in the international music scene.”
Indeed, the “Born in the Wild” tour has been more than just a series of concerts. Each performance has been a cultural event, blending Tems’ unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative sounds with stunning visuals that pay homage to her Nigerian roots. The stage design, featuring elements of African art and symbolism, has been widely praised for its creativity and depth.
Fashion has also played a significant role in the tour’s impact. Tems’ bold, Afrocentric stage outfits, designed by a team of up-and-coming Nigerian designers, have garnered attention from fashion critics and fans alike. Style blogger Amina Abba notes, “Tems is not just sharing her music; she’s showcasing African creativity in every aspect. Her tour wardrobe is a celebration of contemporary African fashion.”
The tour has had its share of memorable moments. In New York, Tems surprised the audience by bringing out Wizkid for a performance of “Essence,” sending the crowd into a frenzy. In Toronto, she paid tribute to the city’s own Drake with a cover of “Fountains,” on which she originally featured. These moments of connection and homage have endeared her further to fans and fellow artists alike.
Critics have been unanimous in their praise. The New York Times called her performance “a revelation,” while Rolling Stone described it as “a masterclass in artistry and stage presence.” But perhaps the most telling endorsement comes from the fans themselves. Social media has been awash with clips from the concerts, with the hashtag #BornInTheWildTour trending consistently.
One fan, Sarah Johnson, who attended the Chicago show, shared her experience: “Tems’ voice is even more powerful live. The energy in the room was electric. It wasn’t just a concert; it felt like we were part of something bigger, a movement.”
The success of the North American leg of “Born in the Wild” is not just a personal triumph for Tems, but a win for African music as a whole. It follows in the footsteps of other African artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid, who have successfully headlined international tours, but Tems brings a unique flavor to the global stage.
Dr. Oluwaseun Adebisi, a musicologist specializing in African diaspora music, contextualizes the significance: “Tems represents a new wave of African artists who are unapologetically blending genres and pushing boundaries. Her success on this tour demonstrates that there’s a global appetite for fresh, innovative sounds from Africa.”
The tour’s impact extends beyond music. Tems has used her platform to advocate for social causes close to her heart. At several tour stops, she partnered with local organizations focusing on girls’ education and women’s empowerment. “I believe in using my voice for more than just singing,” Tems explained. If I can inspire even one young girl to dream big and pursue her passions, then I’ve done my job.
As news of the tour’s success spreads, it’s already having a ripple effect in the industry. Booking agents report increased interest in African artists from major venues and festivals across North America. Music executive Lisa Thompson comments, “Tems has opened doors. We’re seeing a surge in demand for Afrobeats and African artists. This tour has proven that these acts can headline and sell out major venues.”
The digital footprint of the “Born in the Wild” tour has been equally impressive. Streaming numbers for Tems’ catalog have seen a significant boost, with several of her tracks re-entering viral charts. The tour has also sparked a wave of user-generated content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with fans recreating her choreography and sharing their concert experiences.
As the North American leg concludes, anticipation is building for the next phases of the tour. Dates for Europe, Asia, and a homecoming leg in Africa are eagerly awaited by fans around the world. Tems herself is looking forward to bringing her show to more global audiences: “This is just the beginning. I can’t wait to connect with more fans around the world and share this experience with them.”
The success of “Born in the Wild” in North America is more than just a series of well-received concerts; it’s a cultural moment that signals the continuing evolution of African music on the global stage. Tems, with her unique sound, powerful voice, and magnetic stage presence, is at the forefront of this movement.
As she prepares for the next leg of her tour, Tems stands as a symbol of the boundless potential of African artistry. Her journey from the streets of Lagos to sold-out venues across North America is an inspiration to aspiring artists across the continent and beyond.
In conquering North America, Tems has not just advanced her own career, she has paved the way for a new generation of African artists to dream big and reach for global stages. As the echoes of “Born in the Wild” continue to resonate, one thing is clear: Tems, and the new wave of African music she represents, are here to stay on the world stage.
