Nigerian sensation Tems claims second Grammy

Nigerian singer Tems, known for her hit ‘Love Me JeJe,’ won the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th Grammy Awards.

Singer Tems. Image: Instagram via @the4thent

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, has made history by winning the Best African Music Performance award. She won this award at the 67th Grammy Awards held on 2 February.

This prestigious accolade comes as a significant recognition of her talent and the growing influence of African music on the global stage.

TEMS’ GRAMMY WIN

Tems clinched the award with her hit song Love Me JeJe, which is a modern rendition of Seyi Sodimu’s classic from 1997, according to the BBC.

The track, produced by Ghanaian artist Guilty Beatz, has been well-received since its release in April 2024.

OTHER NOMINEES

It stood out among tough competition, defeating notable contenders such as Yemi Alade’s Tomorrow, Asake & Wizkid’s MMS, Chris Brown’s Sensational featuring Davido & Lojay, and Burna Boy’s Higher.

In her acceptance speech, Tems expressed her heartfelt gratitude.

“Wow, dear God, thank you for placing me on this stage and assembling this wonderful team,” she said, visibly emotional.

She dedicated her win to her mother, whose birthday coincided with the ceremony.

“Tomorrow is my mum’s birthday, and this marks her first Grammy,” she added, acknowledging her mother’s unwavering support throughout her journey.

TEMS MAKES HISTORY

This Grammy win is particularly significant for Tems as it makes her the first Nigerian artist to secure two Grammy awards, according to The National News.

She previously won in 2023 for her collaboration on Future’s hit song Wait For U.

With this latest victory, she has now accumulated a total of eight Grammy nominations throughout her career.

BEST AFRICAN MUSIC PERFORMANCE

The Best African Music Performance category was introduced only last year and has already highlighted the rich diversity and talent within African music.

Tems’ win continues a trend of female artists dominating this category, following South African singer Tyla‘s victory in 2024 with Water.

This shift signifies a powerful moment for women in the industry and showcases their contributions to the global music landscape.

TEMS MUSICAL JOURNEY

Tems’ journey from Lagos to international acclaim is remarkable.

She gained widespread recognition through her feature on Wizkid’s smash hit Essence. The feature catapulted her into the limelight and showcased her unique blend of Afrobeats and R&B to a global audience.

Her debut album, Born in the Wild, further solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary African music, according to News Central.

THE GRAMMY AWARDS

The Grammy Awards ceremony took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Tems’ triumph was celebrated not just by fans but also by prominent figures in Nigeria.

President Bola Tinubu congratulated her on social media, expressing pride in her achievements and those of other Nigerian nominees.

He stated, “Their accomplishments continue to inspire all Nigerians.”

Tems continues to break barriers and set new standards for African artists globally. She serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians across South Africa and beyond.

THE POTENTIAL OF AFRICAN MUSIC

Her success story resonates deeply within the continent, highlighting the potential for African music to thrive on international platforms.

Tems’ Grammy win represents a broader movement within African music. It underscores the importance of recognising and celebrating diverse musical talents from the continent.