Love Is A Kingdom EP By Tems (Review)

n a powerful demonstration of her burgeoning global dominance, Nigerian sensation Tems has unexpectedly delivered a new, emotionally charged body of work, the seven-track EP, Love Is A Kingdom. Arriving as a surprise drop on November 21, 2025, the project showcases the artist at a new peak of artistic independence and maturity, reaffirming her status as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary R&B and Afrobeats two years into her mainstream ascent.

This soul-baring offering arrived with little warning, immediately capturing the attention of listeners and critics worldwide. Unlike previous projects, which featured collaborations or external production, Love Is A Kingdom is composed, written, and produced almost entirely by Tems herself. This intimate, focused approach imbues the EP with a spiritual grounding and a raw authenticity, solidifying her position as an innovator who effortlessly blends Alt-R&B’s depth with the rhythmic pulse of Afrobeats. The central theme running through the project is the complexity, power, and vulnerability inherent in human connection, making Love Is A Kingdom a deeply introspective listen.

Critical Acclaim and Defining Themes “Love Is A Kingdom“

Critically, the EP has been met with resounding praise, hailed for its dynamic energy and emotionally hefty vocal performances. The project received an impressive 86% rating from Ratings Game Music, with critics noting that Tems’ music transcends the limiting label of “Afropop,” moving into a nuanced realm of deeply resonant R&B infused with acoustic touches and Nigerian flavors.

Tems uses the EP to boldly tackle subjects such as self-worth, true love, and the fearless assertion of personal boundaries. The seamless fusion of genre elements creates a vibrant, multifaceted listening experience, a testament to her ability to craft music that feels both vintage and futuristically global.

Songbux Spotlight: Track-by-Track Mastery

By Songbux (Music Critic)

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Tems‘ latest offering is less an EP and more a seismic event. This project doesn’t just ask for your attention; it demands it, primarily through a masterful vocal delivery that could, as one critic astutely put it, “solve world hunger.” Here are the cuts that truly define the reign of Love Is A Kingdom:

• “First” (4.5/5): This track explodes out of the gate with a smooth, punchy Afrobeats production lightly seasoned with authentic Nigerian flavor. “First” sets the perfect tone, acting as a statement of intent. Over the infectious rhythm, Tems adopts a supremely confident and relaxed vocal style, dedicated entirely to prioritizing her purpose and self-worth. It’s an immediately addictive intro that leaves no doubt about the journey of empowerment she is embarking on.
• “What You Need”: This is arguably the most commanding vocal performance Tems has ever committed to tape. Built over an old-school, rhythmically intricate beat, the kind that might have Timbaland nodding, the song delves into the painful but necessary realization that a relationship has withered. Tems’ passionate, daring vocals assert her independence, choosing the self-respect of being alone over a partnership that no longer serves her spirit. To call this track striking is an understatement; it is a musical declaration of independence.
• “Big Daddy”: While lyrically leaning into a slightly different direction, calling out a figure who abandoned her when she needed them most, the track is an undeniable standout thanks to its infectious, vibrant instrumental. Tems flips the power dynamic with a soaring vocal performance, teasing the abandoning figure with the “Big Daddy” hook while reclaiming her control. The blend of chill vibes and frantic, energetic bursts in the production makes this song a relatable yet lyrically sharp experience.

In essence, Love Is A Kingdom is Tems‘ strongest declaration yet of who she is as an artist: a soul-baring visionary operating on her own terms, creating music that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. The project is an essential listen, cementing her legacy as a foundational voice in the global music scene. FOR MORE INFORMATION, I RECOMMEND SONGBUX.