Live

Tems: Somerset House Summer Series, Strand, London 7/7/22

Few artists in the world can boast the incredible upward trajectory that Tems has seen in the past couple of years. The Nigerian Afrobeat star became the first African woman to top the Billboard 100 chart, and her Glastonbury performance a few weeks back was one of the festival's biggest highlights.

What better way, then, to kick off the Somerset House Summer Series, back after a two-year gap because of COVID. In the years to 2019, the 18th-century landmark on the bank of the Thames had hosted some incredible artists, and the return of the courtyard concerts is a welcome return.

It's a spectacular spot to watch a show, and opening artist Rachel Chinouriri got the evening off to a great start. Chinouriri is herself enjoying an impressive rise, and it won't be long until she's headlining events like this herself. The 23-year-old wowed with a low-key version of "Thank You For Nothing" and the brilliant "So My Darling" as she showcased why there's so much excitement around her right now.

The stage was set for Temilade Openiyi, best known as Tems, to make a triumphant return to action after illness. I had been set to see her headline the Strawberries & Creem festival a couple of weeks earlier, but laryngitis had forced her to pull out. Tems admitted that she still wasn't feeling 100%, but it barely showed as she strolled confidently across the stage on a lush summer evening.

The set opened with a brilliant version of "Higher", from her debut EP "For Broken Ears" before she launched into a lively "Avoid Things". The 27-year-old is a commanding stage presence, and it was clear she was relishing being back in front of a crowd again after a frustrating break. "Crazy Tings" was another highlight of the performance as she got a joyous crowd moving. The show came to an end with a lengthy version of "Free Mind".

Tems may have struggled with a couple of high notes, but that's not a huge surprise after her recent illness. She battled through in front of an appreciative audience and demonstrated why her career has gone stratospheric. The Somerset House shows are a highlight of the summer and Tems was the perfect artist to get them started.

PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke