Being an internationally adored superstar doesn’t absolve you from wanting to be understood—or looked after. And from the sound of Tems’ Love Is a Kingdom EP, it may, in fact, exacerbate those notions. But fear not, because in addition to being a groundbreaking alté R&B singer, Tems can be both educator and healer, reminding an adoring fanbase that the strongest love is self-love. From the outset, Tems is “moving different” on project opener “First”, which is exactly where her own personal happiness now sits on her list of priorities. If she’s second-guessing the devotion of a lover on “I’m Not Sure”, “Big Daddy” carries the epiphany that you didn’t actually need someone else in the first place. “Lagos Love” and “Mine” may be vocally dazzling showcases of devotion, but things escalate to a religious degree on “Is There a Reason”, which sounds like both prayer and testimony. Love may indeed be a kingdom, but in Tems’ world, it isn’t one simply for the anointed. It’s for any and all who are willing to build and protect it.