BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Nigerian Grammy-winning star Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, brought the house down at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Friday, November 15th, during her sold-out show. Overwhelmed by the crowd’s enthusiasm, Tems shared her surprise, saying, “This energy is crazy. This is the most I’ve gotten this year, I promise you.”
Launching straight into fan favorites like “Crazy Tings,” “Avoid Things,” and “Replay,” Tems had the crowd on their feet from the start. Backed by a powerful five-piece band and vocalists, her seamless blend of R&B, pop, and Afrobeats electrified the venue. “You know I came to wile with you tonight, Sydney,” she teased, feeding off the crowd’s palpable energy.
For her longtime fans, it was a night to remember. She performed early hits like “Mr. Rebel” from 2018 and the widely celebrated “Damages” from her debut EP “For Broken Ears. “I’m looking for my day ones – tell me you know this one,” she called out, met with thunderous cheers.
This concert marked a milestone in Tems’ first headlining world tour following the release of her debut album, Born in the Wild, in June. Reflecting on her journey, she declared, “I’m the vibe, I’m the leading vibe,” and the crowd couldn’t agree more.
The night wasn’t just about nostalgia. Tems unveiled new tracks like “Burning,” a poignant piece capturing the blend of joy and anxiety tied to achieving dreams, as well as “Love Me Je Je” and “Me & You.” Pausing briefly to take it all in, she admitted, “I’m gonna cry… I’m really surprised to have this many people connected to me. I put my heart into my music – it’s what helps me. Thank you for giving me such an amazing life.”
Adding a fun twist, Tems invited three lucky fans on stage for a freestyle session, crafting an impromptu intro for “Found.” She charmed the crowd with her playful energy, asking, “Do you love me? Because I love you too.”
The show peaked with her global hit “Essence” featuring Wizkid and closed on a mellow note with “Free Mind,” leaving fans on a high.
As she bowed out, Tems left Sydney with heartfelt gratitude: “Thank you for such a special evening.” True to her words, Tems wasn’t just the vibe – she was the leading vibe, and Sydney embraced every moment.
