Nigerian singer Tems is quickly becoming a global phenomenon. Since her debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020 and the acclaimed If Orange Was a Place in 2021, she has captured hearts worldwide. Her collaboration with Wizkid on “Essence” earned her a Grammy nomination, and she clinched a win for “Wait For U” with Drake and Future in 2022. Now, as fans eagerly anticipate her debut album Born in the Wild, Tems has released a vibrant new single, “Love Me JeJe,” which premiered at her first Coachella performance. But what exactly does “Love Me Jeje” mean? Let’s delve into the layers of this captivating song.
Decoding “Jeje”: A Word of Endearment
The title “Love Me Jeje” immediately sparks curiosity, especially for those unfamiliar with Nigerian languages. “Jeje” is a Yoruba word that loosely translates to “gently” or “softly.” In the context of love, “Jeje” carries a deeper, more tender connotation. It speaks to a desire for love that is kind, patient, and affectionate. Think of it as asking to be loved with gentleness and care, emphasizing the emotional softness and tenderness in a romantic relationship. It’s not just about grand gestures, but the everyday acts of love expressed in a gentle manner.
“Love Me JeJe”: A Nostalgic Nod to a Nigerian Classic
Tems’s “Love Me JeJe” is not just a catchy title; it’s a direct homage to a beloved Nigerian song of the same name by Seyi Sodimu, released in 1997. This connection adds a layer of rich cultural context to Tems’s track. Seyi Sodimu himself expressed his delight on Instagram, acknowledging the timeless quality of music and its ability to connect generations. By referencing this classic, Tems not only pays tribute to her musical heritage but also infuses her contemporary sound with a touch of nostalgic warmth that resonates across generations.
[!Nigerian singer Tems performing at Coachella, bathed in warm stage lights, showcasing her signature confident stage presence.](https:// Getty ImagesNigerian singer Tems has had a meteoric rise to success in recent years. Her debut EP For Broken Ears arrived in 2020 and a follow-up project If Orange Was a Place came the following year. She earned a Grammy nomination for “Essence,” her 2021 collab with fellow Nigerian artist Wizkid, and won her first Grammy for her 2022 Drake and Future collab “Wait For U.”
At her first-ever Coachella performance last week, Tems announced that her debut album Born in the Wild was done and on its way. She gave a first taste of what’s to come last year with the singles “Me & U” and “Not an Angel,” and now she’s back with the latest piece of the project.
“Love Me JeJe,” out now, is inspired by a beloved song of the same name released by Nigerian singer-songwriter Seyi Sodimu in 1997. She first previewed the track at her debut Coachella set last weekend, and Sodimu himself was thrilled about the honor. “This made my day,” he wrote on Instagram after the performance. “The beautiful thing about music is that it transcends generations and connects us through time.”
“Jeje” loosely means “gentle” or “softly” in Nigeria, and on the song, Tems shares the joy of being loved over a sunny guitar groove. “If not you, then I don’t wanna know, I don’t want no story / Day and night, it’s unconditional, got mе living softly / Love me JeJe, love me tender,” she sings.
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When thinking about her next steps, Tems told Kendrick Lamar for Interviewlast year that she puts her whole self into her work. “I want to make music that makes me pull my heart out, and if I can’t do that, I don’t want anything,” she stated plainly.
As for her secret sauce, she explained to Billboardlast month that she just does what feels natural. “When I make music, I don’t really think about where it’s going to end up,” she said. “I just leave it all in the studio.”)
A Celebration of Tender Love
Lyrically, “Love Me JeJe” embodies the gentle affection that the title suggests. Over a sunny, mellow groove, Tems sings about the joy and contentment found in being loved unconditionally and tenderly. Lines like “If not you, then I don’t wanna know, I don’t want no story / Day and night, it’s unconditional, got me living softly / Love me JeJe, love me tender,” encapsulate the essence of the song. It’s a declaration of wanting a love that is soft, supportive, and unwavering. This theme of gentle, unconditional love is universally relatable, making the song connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Tems: Heartfelt Music and Future Sounds
Tems’s dedication to creating music that resonates deeply with her emotions is evident in “Love Me JeJe.” As she shared in an interview with Interview magazine, she aims to create music that “makes me pull my heart out.” This passion translates into authentic and heartfelt songs that have propelled her to international acclaim. With “Love Me JeJe” serving as a taste of her upcoming album Born in the Wild, fans can anticipate a collection of music that is both deeply personal and universally appealing, exploring themes of love and life with Tems’s signature soulful sound. “Love Me JeJe” is more than just a song; it’s an invitation to embrace tender love and a glimpse into the exciting musical journey of Tems.
