British-Nigerian spoken word artist Temi T has released her latest single ‘Painted Intentions’. A fusion of spoken word, jazz, and R&B/hip-hop, “Painted Intentions” is a poignant exploration of friendship breakdown, identity, and reclaiming one’s narrative. Inspired by the emotional fallout of a ten-year friendship ending, Temi dives deep into the pain of being misunderstood, misrepresented, and projected upon — confronting the quiet grief that often goes unspoken in platonic heartbreaks. We speak with Temi T about all things music below.
How did the end of a decade-long friendship shape your perspective on storytelling?
It made me very intentional about the way I told this story. I don’t know if this friend will hear it, but if they do, I don’t want them to feel hate. Previously, I had not considered how it’s received by a specific person, so this time I had to bear that in mind. This actually helped with structure and having to be intelligent with vocabulary and rhymes. I had fun with it.
Do you find writing music therapeutic, performative, or both?
I find it therapeutic, that’s the reason I started doing it, really. I believe we are given creative gifts to do just that, create and to create without performing in mind. That’s where the real therapy is.
What role does identity play in your lyrical narratives?
My identity is written into every one of my tracks. Stories I’ve personally lived and conversations I’ve had all make their way into my lyrics. That’s the reason you can feel the authenticity, it’s really my life running through the lyrics.
How do you reconcile public perception with your personal truth through music?
Ironically being perceived differently to how you intended is the theme of Painted Intentions. Reconciling public perfection with personal truth can be tough though. It’s the reason I didn’t release music for a while after I first started writing. But as an Artist you need to first come to terms and be at peace with your personal truth. You then need to be at peace with how that’s perceived and the fact that you have no control over that. There’s so much freedom in that, and art is received subjectively.
Are there recurring themes in your work that connect your past releases to this single?
Outside of my identity and life’s experiences coming through, it’s actually quite different. I’ve never spoken on friendship betrayal before and this was a new style of production for me to work with too!
How do you handle the balance between intimate subject matter and wider audience relatability?
I truly believe there is no single unique human experience. So as intimate as these subject matters are, I know somebody listening is relating to this, I know that’s part of the reason I have the gift of writing. There are however, some songs that I never perform because they are so intimate and triggering for me. Once I’ve recorded it, and performed it at least once I leave it there. Everyone else is free to continue to consume and get what they need from it , but I personally don’t revisit certain songs. ‘Me and Me’ is one of them, on my first album.
Can you share a memorable experience from performing your previous work live?
A memorable moment was my first ever headline at Soho House Brixton. I was clicking to find my rhythm for an A capella song. I had no clue the whole crowd would join and click through the entire piece. It was such a vulnerable song for me, and I felt held. It was more than a performance, but more an experience. I couldn’t wait to keep performing.
What emotions or thoughts do you hope your audience experiences while listening to “Painted Intentions”?
I hope listeners can relate and reflect. Whether they’re the betrayer or the betrayed, we’ve got to reflect on the choices we make and how we want to show up in the world. Artistically, I hope listeners can understand how versatile spoken word can be with music, and to just enjoy the vibe. The lyrics might be a bit heavy but the track can most definitely be enjoyed.
How do you envision your music evolving leading up to your next full-length project?
I see further expansion in the genres I’m working with, I also see a lot more collaborations with rappers and vocalists in the contemporary music scene. My next full length project will be full bodied in every way, I’m working with visual artists, making short films. I’m just excited for it all to become tangible!
Outside of music, what inspires your storytelling—books, films, personal experiences?
I love reading! I read everyday and I pay attention to how these stories are told, what grips me about each character, how I see myself in certain stories. I don’t believe you can be an excellent writer without reading.
