Soul Train Awards 2022: Singer-Songwriter Tems Lends Her Creativity in These Must-Hear Songs
Singer and songwriter and Soul Train Awards 2022 "Best New Artist" winner Tems captivated music fans following the release of several singles, including “Essence,” where she was featured on with fellow Nigerian Afrobeats star Wizkid. Since then, the R&B singer has graced magazine covers, swept award shows, and even collaborated with some of the industry’s biggest stars, the likes of Drake, Rihanna, and many more.
The party may be over, but we’re not done celebrating our winners. In honor of this year’s ceremony, see where else Tems has lent her creativity with these three must-hear tracks.
Drake ‘Fountains’
Canadian rap star Drake released the uptempo Afrobeats-inspired single in 2021 from his sixth studio album, Certified Lover Boy. The record was co-written by Drake, Tresor Riziki, and Tems under her birth name, Temilade Openiyi.
Rihanna ‘Life Me UP’ (From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever)
Grammy Award-winning singer, actress, and business mogul Rihanna returned to music for the first time in nearly six years, delivering two songs for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever motion picture soundtrack, “Life Me Up” and a later track titled “Born Again.”
“Life Me Up” has been described as an r&b ballad, co-written by Rih Rih, “BP” film director Ryan Cooglar, Ludwig Göransson, and Tems.
The singer spoke about the unique opportunity, stating in a press release: “After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I’ve lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them. Rihanna has been an inspiration to me, so hearing her convey this song is a great honor.
The song earned widely positive reactions and even a Hollywood Music in Media Award for ‘Best Original Song in a Feature Film.’
Future ‘Wait for U’ featuring Drake & Tems
Tems’s pen game is so impactful that it landed her a spot on Future’s critically acclaimed single “Wait for U” featuring frequent collaborator Drake. Following the release of the track, many people wondered why the Nigerian star was credited on the track.
On Twitter, the Atlanta rapper noted that producer ATL Jacob played the singer’s records, “Higher” and “Instantly connected to my soul.” Future praised the rising star, writing, “VOICE IS AMAZING.”
The song’s success also garnered attraction to Tems’s single “Higher,” which served as the sample for the rap record.
