TEMS ‘Not An Angel’ Is Not Your Typical Breakup Song.
From the moment Temilade Openiyi, famously known as Tems, pierced our souls with her phenomenal voice and confidence, the world was introduced to an artist who not just knows her onions, but is also ready to redefine music that would change the world in decades to come. The Nigerian singer who started singing full-time in 2018, after releasing new-age defying anthem, debut single ‘Mr Rebel’, birthed a sound that is authentically hers, using it as a source of strength in which she can truly live and breathe her purpose.
Tems authenticity and self-assertiveness has successfully catapulted her to becoming one of the most influential artists in the world in a relatively short time. This has allowed her to not only collaborate with renowned global artists including; Drake, Future and Wizkid, but also to amass global recognition and multiple awards including a history-making Grammy Award win, which is a testament to her undeniable talent. Tems’s captivating voice is only a significant part of her rare artistry, which includes a pure mix of Alte, R&B, Soul, and Afro-pop.
Such artistry has seen Tems release some of the most electrifying songs including; the unapologetically daring ‘Try Me’ and the soft-beat ‘Me & U’ which graced streaming platforms with thousands of listeners tuning in on a daily basis. Tems' newly released sultry ‘Not An Angel’ once again proves that her sound cannot be boxed.
The single which was released months after releasing ‘Me & U', would at first come across as a typical romantic breakup song, one that typically consists of unrequited or one-sided love, that turns to regret with the hope of reconciliation at the later end. Although ‘Not an Angel’ may be different from its predecessors in terms of lyrics, it still passes a profound hidden message under its visual facade. In some sense the person referred to as you in the song, could be anyone or an amalgamation of awry past experiences that may include family or friends not exclusively a male counterpart. Another way this can be seen is a reference to an old self which is birthed and covered in fear, self-doubt and anxiety, feelings Tems is no stranger to, especially when it has been highly referenced in her previous songs.
Whether it is a sad breakup with a friend or family that failed to be there, when she really needed them or a fight against an old self riddled with fear and self-doubt, that has threatened to cage her voice, Tems does make a message clear; she is moving on and she’s unapologetic about it. This shows the great courage she’s willing to take to stand up and live in her truth, damning the consequences and not caring to cut off loose ends or anyone trying to hold her back including relationships she might have fought hard to keep. As the song’s lyrics depict Tems decisive stance to not take any more toxicity in a relationship or fear, it speaks to her listeners that they too can decide when they have had enough, that it’s okay to move on from people, their past or feelings that stifle your growth or authenticity.
Everyone can surely relate to the lyrics in this song, but Tems gives a satisfying solution, one that is truthful and freeing but not easy, as humans tend to crawl back to the place that broke them, something Tems stresses won't happen anymore.
‘Not An Angel’ is an ode, a love letter to remembering our valuable self-worth, something Tems has seemed to grow confident in, giving us the recipe to do the same without shame or regret. As Tems continues to take on giant strides in her career, we certainly can’t wait for what she releases next. With an amazing lineup of soul penetrating songs she has put out in the past, we can only expect nothing short of amazing.
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