Nigerian artist Tems is achieving remarkable success in the United States, with her debut album, ‘Born In The Wild,’ securing the #2 spot on Billboard’s Best R&B Albums of 2024.
This milestone further establishes her as one of the most influential African artists worldwide, garnering millions of fans and prestigious awards along the way. In addition to this accolade, ‘Born In The Wild’ has also earned recognition as the #2 R&B album in 2025. Tems stands out as the sole African artist on a list that includes popular names like Chris Brown, Party Next Door, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.
Billboard praises Tems’ music for its complexity, noting that it transcends the Afrobeats genre. Her debut album, described as a showcase of her resilience, begins with an acoustic ballad reflecting her journey through mental challenges.
The standout track “Burning” addresses the challenges of newfound fame while focusing on shared experiences. Tems has drawn inspiration from iconic artists like Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey, and she has successfully incorporated their influences into her soulful sound. ‘Born In The Wild’ reached No. 5 on the Top R&B Albums chart and made its debut on the Billboard 200 at No. 56.
Furthermore, ‘Born In The Wild’ and the single “Love Me JeJe” received Grammy nominations in 2025 for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance, respectively. The track “Burning” also received a nomination for Best R&B Song, showcasing the rich diversity of Tems’ musical talent and emphasizing that African artists like her cannot be confined to the Afrobeats label, as their music resonates well beyond the continent’s borders.
Overall, ‘Born In The Wild’ has been warmly embraced in the U.S., earning Tems a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album and making a significant impact on the music scene.
Story by Obaapa Janee
