Review: Tems Takes Control: Inside Her Bold New EP Love Is a Kingdom

Tems doesn't waste time proving herself anymore. The Nigerian singer dropped Love Is a Kingdom as a surprise on November 21, 2025, and it feels like she's finally speaking her mind without filter. After winning Grammys, working with Beyoncé and Rihanna, and touring the world, she's earned the right to be direct. This seven-track EP is her taking back control of the narrative, both in her relationships and her career.

What makes this project special is how personal it feels. Tems produced and wrote most of these songs herself, returning to the independent spirit that defined her early work. The EP blends Afropop, R&B, and soul into something that sounds both familiar and fresh. It's music for anyone who's ever had to choose themselves first, even when it hurts.

The EP opens with a statement. Over a bouncy Afropop beat, Tems makes it clear that she's done letting people control her story. The song has an infectious groove, but the message is serious; she's putting herself first, no apologies. You can hear the confidence in her voice as she sings about lighting herself up by being alone. It's the perfect way to start the project because it sets the tone: Tems is in charge here.

This track slows things down and gets into the messy middle of relationships. Tems sounds uncertain, which is refreshing after the boldness of "First." She's working through confusion and mixed signals, and the production gives her voice room to breathe. It's one of the more vulnerable moments on the EP, showing that even when you're confident, love can still leave you questioning everything.

Here, Tems gets confrontational again, and it's thrilling. She's calling out someone who wasn't there when she needed them, but now wants her attention. The way she delivers these questions over the playful beat makes the song feel almost euphoric, like she's finally free to say what's been on her mind. It's a standout track that brings back the sharp edge from her early music.

Produced by LONDON and AOD, this song has a different texture from the rest of the EP. It's warmer and more nostalgic, painting a picture of love in Lagos with soulful melodies. Tems sounds both proud and reflective here, celebrating where she comes from while acknowledging how complicated love can be. The production is rich and layered, making it one of the most interesting songs sonically.

"Mine" sits comfortably in the middle of the EP, maintaining the rhythmic flow of the other tracks. While it's not the biggest standout, it adds to the overall story Tems is telling about claiming what's hers, whether that's a relationship or her own sense of self-worth. The song has a steady, confident energy that keeps the EP moving forward.

This might be the best song on the EP. Tems sings about realising she's not what someone needs, and there's something deeply honest about how she delivers it. The R&B production is smooth but tinged with sadness, like looking out a rainy window and accepting a hard truth. Her voice carries both strength and tenderness here. It's the kind of song that makes you want to reach out and tell her she's doing the right thing.

The EP closes with its most stripped-down moment. Just guitar, strings, and Tems' falsetto asking a simple question that holds so much weight. It's short but powerful, leaving you wanting more in the best way possible. After all the confrontation and self-assertion, this ending feels like a gentle exhale. It shows a softer side of Tems and hints at where she might take her sound next.

Love Is a Kingdom is Tems reclaiming her space. After years of rapid success and international collaborations, this EP feels like her saying, "This is who I am, take it or leave it." She's not trying to fit into anyone's box—not in love, not in music, not in how the industry wants to label her.

The EP's biggest strength is its honesty. Tems writes about love like someone who's been through it and learned that the most important relationship is the one with yourself. Whether she's calling out people who failed her or admitting her own confusion, she never sounds weak. She sounds human.

If there's one thing that holds the project back slightly, it's that some songs cover similar emotional ground without always adding new depth. But that repetition also feels intentional; these are the thoughts that keep circling in your head when you're working through something tangible.

With GuiltyBeatz and other producers helping shape the sound, the EP balances confrontational energy with moments of calm. It's short enough to feel focused but rich enough to reward multiple listens. Most importantly, it arrives at a time when people need music that encourages them to stand up for themselves.

Tems has always been independent, but Love Is a Kingdom shows her truly comfortable in that role. She's made something beautiful and necessary, music that reminds us that loving yourself isn't selfish, it's survival.