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Tems’ debut album ranked #2 on Billboard’s Best R&B albums of 2024
Nigerian music star Tems has solidified her position as a global phenomenon, achieving remarkable milestones with her debut album Born In The Wild.
The project, which explores themes of personal growth and resilience, has earned critical acclaim and placed her among the world’s top R&B artists.
In a testament to her growing influence, Tems‘ Born In The Wild ranked #2 on Billboard’s Best R&B Albums of 2025, making her the only African artist on the prestigious list.
The chart also featured heavyweights such as Chris Brown, Party Next Door, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.
Highlighting her unique sound, Billboard noted that Tems’ music defies the limitations of the “Afrobeats” label, with tracks that transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born in the Wild,” Billboard stated.
The album’s title track, an acoustic ballad, sets the tone for a deeply introspective project where Tems reflects on overcoming challenges in her mental wilderness.
Another standout track, Burning, captures her confrontation with the complexities of fame while offering solace through shared human experiences.
Drawing inspiration from icons such as Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey, Tems crafts soul-stirring music designed to evoke powerful emotions.
Billboard further praised her effort, saying: “As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.”
Born In The Wild has become Tems’ highest-charting project on the Top R&B Albums chart, reaching No. 5. It also marked her debut entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56.
The album’s success translated into Grammy recognition, with nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance for her single Love Me Jeje. Meanwhile, the midtempo track Burning earned a nod for Best R&B Song, further affirming the diverse appeal of her music.
Tems’ achievements underscore the expansive reach of African music and her ability to transcend categorization. Her work has resonated globally, marking her as a trailblazer among African artists.
As 2025 unfolds, Tems continues to shine as a beacon of excellence, reminding the world of the boundless potential of Nigerian music and its stars.