“What number of days in a month are you pondering of me?”
That’s how Tems opens “Lagos Love,” and the directness units the tone for all the pieces that follows. No fluff, no metaphors, only a straight query that cuts by means of romantic nonsense.
This observe positions the Nigerian singer on the intersection of afropop sophistication and emotional transparency.
The manufacturing from ThisizLondon and AoD builds a soundscape that seems like a late-night Lagos drive, heat guitar strums and rhythmic drums creating an intimate basis. It’s afropop at its most relaxed, letting Tems’ vocals float effortlessly on high.
The afropop sensibilities shine by means of the observe’s buoyant percussion, whereas R&B inflections color Tems’ vocal supply with wealthy emotional texture.
Lyrically, the directness cuts by means of romantic pretence, demanding readability from a possible lover.
She interrogates intentions with traces that problem superficial attraction, “Do you simply need consideration? Is it a connection? Or is it a lesson?,” revealing an artist who values authenticity above all else.
The repetitive hook “I lo-lo-love you, I lo-lo-love me” will get caught in your head instantly. “I lo-lo-love you, I lo-lo-love me.” Tems refuses to play coy. She’s performed with guessing video games.
Some would possibly name it easy, however that’s the purpose. Self-love sits proper alongside romantic love right here, equal weight on each. She’s not dropping herself for anybody.
There’s a firmness operating by means of “Lagos Love” that retains it from sliding into typical love track territory.
“We’ll do it my means, something that I say / ‘Trigger I do know it’s value it.” She’s not asking permission. The vulnerability exists, but it surely comes with clear boundaries.
Tems’ voice strikes between mushy and assertive with out jarring shifts, she simply glides between the 2 modes naturally.
The entire thing seems like an precise dialog relatively than a efficiency, which is tougher to drag off than it sounds.
From her Love Is A Kingdom EP, “Lagos Love” exhibits Tems writing about romance with out the same old give up narrative. She needs connection, however not at the price of readability.
