Tems’ faith is front and center in the new single and video for “Me + U.”
According to the Nigerian songbird, the song is about “discovering the real me, building a genuine relationship with the Creator, and gaining a true perception of self.”
Tems’ directorial eye is on full display as she praise dances throughout the music. In the music video wearing white, Tems stands majestically on water before the groove gets to her. “For me to come out / It must mean I’m at the door / It must mean I’m not the same / It must mean I’m on your case,” she declares in the first verse.
One twitter user misinterpreted the symbolism of a photograph that she posted on her socials of her standing in an ocean of water draped in a white dress. The user hinted that Tems may be “embodying Oshun.”
The Grammy-award winning artist quickly corrected the user’s false interpretation.
“Actually it’s about Jesus Christ teaching me how to walk on water, to trust Him and not in human understanding. He changed my life. And if you seek Him He will fill you up too,” she wrote. “He is the Lord of Lords. The word of God, made flesh I am His sheep. He is my Shepherd. And I have been forever transformed. I am His forever.” She concluded her message with, “THATS JUST ME DOE,” to keep things light and make sure that people don’t get her Christianity twisted.
In a span of five years as an established music artist, Tems has already had a remarkable career. The singer made history as the first Nigerian artist to debut #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 (“Wait For You”), an Oscar nomination, and a performance at the NBA All-Star Game halftime show.