Tems Emerges From The Wreckage Of Heartbreak On Her New Single, ‘Not An Angel’

Tems‘ spiritual journey continues. Tonight (December 8), the Nigerian singer has shared “Not An Angel” her reflective new single on which she feels the need to move on after the end of a relationship.

Over sparse drums and pulsating beats, Tems is at more principled place, moving forward from the wreckage of a lost love.

“’Cause I’m not an angel / I’m just a girl that knows the truth / And I couldn’t save you / You couldn’t see what I’ve been through / I’ll cut my losses in peace / I don’t need nothin’ else from you /’Cause I’m not and angel / I know I did all I could do,” she sings on the song’s chorus.

Tems has become known for her personal approach to songwriting and lyricism. In an interview with Interview Magazine, she opened up about her songwriting process and how she lets her emotions lead the way.

“Sometimes I freestyle to a point where I can’t feel my feet. I’ve entered somewhere and I don’t even know where I am anymore,” she said. “I’m just pouring out my gut and then when I’m done, I don’t remember what I just did. If you didn’t record it, it’s almost as if I blacked out.”

You can listen to “Not An Angel” above.

Tems Will Slip In Another Song Before 2023 Ends With Her Upcoming Single, ‘Not An Angel’

Tems 2023 ONE MusicFest
Getty Image

Tems has been relatively quiet lately: She released “Me & U,” a new single, earlier this year, but that was her first new song in two years. Things have started to ramp up in Q4 2024, though. Following the aforementioned “Me & U” in October, Tems announced today (December 5) that she has another new song, “Not An Angel,” coming soon.

On social media, Tems shared what is presumably the single’s cover art, a blurry photo of what appears to be Tems in a squatting position. The post indicates the song is set for release this Friday, December 8.

Despite not being productive in terms of new release, Tems still had a few notable moments in 2023. She picked up a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance, for her, Drake, and Future’s “Wait For U.” She wore an attention-grabbing dress to the Oscars that looked great but probably wasn’t beloved by those who had the misfortune of sitting behind her. In September, there were rumors flying around on social media that she was pregnant with Future’s baby, which she addressed with a simple response.

Tems has yet to release a full-length album, but perhaps her two year-ending singles are signs that one is finally on the way soon.