Tems brought the Lagosian heat to Hammersmith’s Eventim Apollo and blew the proverbial roof off the building.

The seismic sold-out show was mounted in support of the songbird’s long-awaited debut album, ‘Born In The Wild’ – which arrived June 7 via RCA Records / Since 93.

Join us below as we recap a resonating night.

Nesting on a stage that had been transformed into a gorgeous garden of sorts, the singer lassoed the audience into her sonic world and had us spellbound throughout.

Armed with charisma, confidence, and her trademark vocal cadence, the certified superstar blazed the stage with seasoned ease.

With album launch shows, new material can often be swallowed up by beloved gems. However, Tems’ skillful placement of songs known and new cultivated an experience that all at once delivered cohesion, cemented her qualitative through-line, and showcased growth in earnest.

While applause is not always the barometer of quality, it was warming to note that freshly hatched jams such as ‘Turn Me Up’ and the pulsating ‘Forever’ earned an equally thunderous response as the likes of much-loved anthems ‘Crazy Tings,’ ‘Free Mind,’ ‘Essence,’ and Billboard Hot 100 #1 ‘Wait For U.’

Holistically, the mutual exchange of energy between Tems and the adoring audience was one of the central engines of the captivating show. And the temperature reached fever pitch with the opening chords of the LP’s most cherished track ‘Love Me JeJe’ permeating the venue. Powered by an infectious call-and-repeat chorus, the soulful serenade ignited joy of all flavors – joy visible, joy plentiful, and above all, joy genuine.

The show may have fallen on the star’s 29th birthday, but it was the audience’s treat.

Stellar.

That Grape Juice Rating:
☆☆☆☆☆
5/5

 

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[Photo Credit: Bet Bettencourt]