Nigerian powerhouse and Grammy-winner Tems continues her global dominance as her hit single “Big Daddy” was officially ranked No. 13 on Rolling Stone’s prestigious “Best Afropop Songs of 2025” list.
The track, which serves as the centrepiece of her surprise November EP, Love Is a Kingdom, has been hailed by critics as a masterclass in songwriting and rhythmic innovation.
“Dead to Me”: Tems Takes on the Naysayers
In their official Best Afropop Songs of 2025 review, Rolling Stone praised Tems for her fearless lyrical delivery. Staff writer O.A. noted that the “instantly-infectious standout track” sees Tems confronting fake supporters and opportunistic figures from her past.
“Ooh, you may look like you’re breathing, but you’re dead to me,” she sings, hurriedly. “You thought you could trap me, but I left you behind.”
Armed with what the publication calls a “steady uptempo groove,” Tems uses the song to address personal betrayals head-on, blending her signature soulful vocals with a sharp, sarcastic edge that has resonated deeply with fans worldwide.
Streaming Dominance and Chart Success
Since its surprise release on November 21, 2025, “Big Daddy” has become a juggernaut on digital streaming platforms:
Spotify Milestone: The track debuted at #50 on the Spotify Nigeria Top Songs chart, amassing 69,000 streams in its first 24 hours. This momentum helped propel Tems to over 4.4 billion career streams across all credits by the end of 2025.
Billboard Performance: The song climbed to #5 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, solidifying her status as a staple in the American market.
UK Charts: The single peaked at #2 on the Official UK Afrobeats Songs Chart, proving its massive appeal across the Atlantic.
The Impact of ‘Love Is a Kingdom’
The success of “Big Daddy” has amplified the impact of the Love Is a Kingdom EP, which many critics consider Tems’ most experimental and assertive work to date. By leaning into faster tempos and more direct, confrontational lyrics, Tems has successfully transitioned from the “Alté Queen” into a versatile pop titan capable of commanding both the dance floor and the charts.
As we head into 2026, “Big Daddy” stands as a cultural anthem for self-preservation and creative independence.
