If Orange Was a Place is the second (and first major label) extended play by Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer Tems.[2][1] It was produced primarily by GuiltyBeatz, along with production from Jonah Christian, and was released on 15 September 2021 by Since '93 and RCA.[3] It features a single guest appearance from American singer Brent Faiyaz.[4]
Background and release
On 6 September 2021, Tems announced via her Twitter handle that her second EP was set to be released the next week.[5] A week later Tems released the track listing, accompanied by a trailer for the EP revealing Brent Faiyaz as the only guest artist and Ghanaian producer GuiltyBeatz as the EP's primary producer, with additional production from Jonah Christian.[5]
If Orange Was a Place was released on 15 September 2021 by RCA/Since '93, revealing that Tems had signed a recording deal with the label.[6][3]
The EP reviewed positive reviews from critics. A review from Pitchfork stated that "If Orange Was a Place takes on a different texture and mood. If there's any element still resonant, it's Tems' unrestricted expression."[1]Rolling Stone praised the EP while also stating that it "broadens Tems' budding discography across moods and tempos, uniting all her strengths in a multi-faceted display of self-actualization".[7] A mixed review from Pulse Nigeria wrote that "this isn't music to be judged harshly - if it can be judged at all. It's just music to be enjoyed and understood."[8]
