5 years ago Tems dropped her debut EP “For Broken Ears” The project spawned the smash hit “Fred Mind” and has now recorded over 694 Million streams on Spotify
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Tems has become one of the most recognized Nigerian voices worldwide, but her journey took a major leap on September 25, 2020, when she released her debut EP For Broken Ears. The project wasn’t just an introduction—it was a statement. Five years later, the EP has crossed 694 million streams on Spotify, largely powered by the global hit Free Mind.
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What songs are on For Broken Ears?
The EP features seven tracks that highlight Tems’ unique sound. The songs include:
- Free Mind
- Damages
- Ice T
- Higher
- Interference
- The Key
- Témìládè Interlude
Each song carried its own message, but together they created a body of work that felt honest and deeply personal.
Why is Free Mind the standout song?
When people talk about For Broken Ears, Free Mind is usually the first track mentioned. The song speaks about inner struggles, seeking peace, and finding strength in vulnerable moments. It connected with fans worldwide, becoming a viral anthem on TikTok and other platforms years after its release. Today, Free Mind has racked up hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify alone and still sits on global playlists.

How did the EP shape Tems’ career?
Before the EP, Tems was known in Nigeria for Try Me, but For Broken Ears made her a rising international star. The success of Free Mind introduced her to new audiences and set the stage for her future collaborations with Wizkid, Drake, Beyoncé, and Future. It also showed the world that her style was different—rooted in Afrobeat but carried by soul and R&B influences.
Is For Broken Ears Tems’ best project?
Fans still debate this question. Some believe For Broken Ears remains her most raw and emotional work, while others point to her later releases like If Orange Was A Place. What’s clear is that the EP gave her a foundation that still drives her success today. Many fans consider it timeless, with songs that still feel fresh five years later.
Why do people still talk about For Broken Ears after five years?
Music lovers continue to celebrate this project because it feels authentic. The lyrics, production, and Tems’ vocal delivery make it a project that people can revisit anytime. Its streaming success also shows that the EP didn’t fade away; instead, it grew stronger with time, introducing her to new fans every year.
Reported by Anything Celebrity – Nigeria’s hub for entertainment gist and celebrity updates.
