Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as Tems, has secured the 67th Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance—a prestigious honor that further cements her status as one of Africa’s most influential artists.
The awards ceremony took place on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where Tems triumphed in a highly competitive category with her hit single “Love Me Jeje.”
Receiving the award, Tems said: “Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team.”
She also dedicated the award to her mother.
At just 29 years old, Tems now holds the record for the most Grammy wins by a Nigerian artist. This marks her second Grammy victory, following her 2023 win for Best Melodic Rap Performance with Future and Drake on “Wait For U.”
A Meteoric Rise
In just five years, Tems has captivated global audiences with her unique sound, seamlessly blending Afrobeats, R&B, and soul. She made history as the first African act to top the Billboard Hot 100, thanks to Future’s sampling of her song “Higher” on “Wait For U.”
While she has collaborated with global superstars like Drake and Rihanna, 2024 saw her fully step into her own spotlight with the release of her highly anticipated debut album, Born in the Wild.
The Success of Love Me Jeje
A standout track from the album, “Love Me Jeje”—which reimagines Seyi Sodimu’s beloved 1997 hit—quickly became a sensation, topping the UK Afrobeats Chart and reaching No. 3 on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart.
Tems debuted the track during her 2024 Coachella performance, bridging past African pop influences with contemporary global sounds. The song’s widespread appeal secured its Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance—a category she has now conquered.
More Grammy Nominations
Beyond her win, Tems’ artistry continues to receive global recognition. Her album Born in the Wild is nominated for Best Global Music Album, competing against major international acts like Matt B and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Additionally, her soulful ballad “Burning” is nominated for Best R&B Song, solidifying her place among the world’s top vocalists. With three Grammy nominations this year, her rise to superstardom is undeniable.
A Bright Future
While competition remains fierce, Tems’ ability to blend nostalgia with modern R&B and Afrobeats sets her apart. As she continues to push boundaries and redefine African music on the global stage, her journey is only just beginning.
