Experience the Vibrant Cultures and Eclectic Music of Africa, Starting with Nigeria and Ghana, Through the Eyes of Grammy Winner Tems
Travel to Nigeria and Ghana Before Forming Opinions About Africa - Tems
In an exclusive chat with Fashion Bomb Daily at the 2025 Met Gala in New York, Tems, the globally acclaimed artist, extends an invitation to the global community to immerse themselves in the rich cultures and artistic expressions found in Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana.
She encourages international travelers to venture beyond their preconceptions and explore these countries firsthand to truly appreciate the essence of African life. As she puts it, "I've always urged people to visit Lagos and Ghana for travel - just go and witness it for yourself. Form your opinion afterwards."
The singer highlights the beauty of Africa as residing not only in its captivating landscapes, but also in its bursting cultural vibrancy and unique artistic expressions. She notes, "What draws me to Africa is the creativity, the day-to-day hustle, the fashion, the music, the traditions, and the cultures."
Tems also sheds light on the richness and diversity of African music, challenging the global notion that its offerings are limited to Afrobeats alone. "Africans can explore uncharted territory in every aspect of sound. We are not just Afrobeats. There is Amapiano, Afrosoul, R&B, Afro Jazz. There are so many genres in African music that are yet to be fully recognized," the artist explains.
Nigerian Musical Miniature:
- Highlife - A melody brewed with traditional African rhythms, jazz, and swing influences that originated in Ghana before gaining popularity in Nigeria.
- Fuji Music - A vibrant genre stemming from Yorùbá Islamic devotional traditions in South-Western Nigeria, featuring a mix of indigenous rhythms and contemporary influences.
- Jùjú Music - With its soulful guitar-driven sound, this genre is a favorite among the Yorùbá people and is a blend of traditional Yorùbá music with Western influences.
- Apala Music - Originating from Yorùbá percussion and vocal traditions, Apala is often used in Islamic religious contexts.
- Taves' Genre-Bending Style - Artists like Taves are merging genres like Afropop, R&B, soul, and folk, showcasing the evolution of Nigerian music.
Ghanaian Gemstone:
- Highlife - A genre deeply rooted in Ghanaian culture, blending traditional Akan music with jazz and swing influences, and playing a significant role in the development of Afrobeats.
- Azonto - A lively dance and music style that originated from Ghana and is characterized by its energetic beats and traditional percussive elements.
- Hiplife - A fusion of traditional Ghanaian music with hip-hop and rap, incorporating elements from genres like Highlife.
- Gospel Music - A major genre in Ghanaian music, this genre often blends Christian influences with traditional African rhythms.
As a beacon of African artistry, Tems serves as an emblem of the dynamic and diverse musical landscape that spans the African continent, inviting everyone to delve deeper and explore the boundless beauty that Africa offers.
- Tems, the globally acclaimed artist, invites the global community to visit Lagos, Nigeria, and Ghana to immerse themselves in the rich cultures and artistic expressions, as she did, and form their own opinions.
- In her chat with Fashion Bomb Daily, Tems emphasizes that Africa's beauty isn't just in its captivating landscapes but also in its vibrant cultural life, unique artistic expressions, and diverse music genres, such as Highlife, Fuji Music, Jùjú Music, Apala Music, and Amapiano in Nigeria, and Highlife, Azonto, Hiplife, and Gospel Music in Ghana.
- Tems, as a Nigerian musical talent, sets an example by merging various genres like Afropop, R&B, soul, and folk, reflecting the ongoing evolution of Nigerian music and the wealth of music styles across Africa.
- By showcasing her unique talent and pushing boundaries, Tems demonstrates the endless potential of African pop-culture, including its music, fashion, and entertainment, and encourages global celebrities and the public to engage with and appreciate the richness of Africa and its people.
