Davido manager Asa Asika says Tems is R&B, challenging assumptions that every African musician should automatically be classified as Afrobeats. Asika revealed that he previously argued with RCA over Tems’s musical classification, insisting her sound represents contemporary R&B more strongly.
He criticized what he described as lazy categorization, questioning why African musicians automatically receive Afrobeats labels simply because they come from Africa. According to Asika, Tems has developed a distinctive musical identity that draws heavily from soulful R&B and subtle African influences.
Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, has built an international career through her distinctive vocals, songwriting, and atmospheric production. Her global breakthrough gained momentum through Essence with Wizkid, which introduced her artistry to audiences across different international music markets.
Beyond Essence, Tems expanded her global profile through collaborations involving international stars including Drake and Beyoncé across major musical projects. Those collaborations have helped demonstrate her versatility, allowing her artistry to connect with listeners beyond traditional Afrobeats expectations worldwide.
Asa Asika says Tems is R&B because her musical approach consistently emphasizes soulful melodies, expressive vocals, atmospheric arrangements, and emotional storytelling. The singer has also earned recognition across international award platforms, strengthening her position within contemporary global music conversations.
Tems continues blending African influences with R&B elements, creating a sound that reflects her identity without fitting neatly into one genre. Ultimately, his argument highlights the importance of recognizing individual artistic identities rather than automatically placing every African performer under Afrobeats.
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