By Seli Baisie
Nigerian singer-songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has won the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, marking her second career Grammy win. The award, presented at the ceremony on Sunday, recognizes her hit song Love Me Jeje, a track that has gained global acclaim since its release.
Emotional Acceptance Speech
In her acceptance speech, Tems expressed gratitude to her team and family, particularly dedicating the award to her mother.
“Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team. Tomorrow is my mum’s birthday, and this is her first Grammys. I just want to thank you, mum, because she’s really done a lot for me and my brother. I want to thank my team—thank you so much. To God be the glory, because honestly, He’s changed my life so much. Thank you so much, thank you God,” she said.
The Best African Music Performance category, which was introduced in 2023 to honour the diversity of African music, featured strong competition this year. Other nominees included Yemi Alade (Tomorrow), Asake & Wizkid (MMS), Chris Brown featuring Davido & Lojay (Sensational), and Burna Boy (Higher).
Tems’ Rise to International Stardom
Tems first gained widespread recognition in 2020 when she featured on Wizkid’s global hit Essence, a song that played a crucial role in bringing Afrobeats to mainstream Western audiences. The track became a cultural phenomenon, receiving a Justin Bieber remix and peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, ultimately earning a Grammy nomination.
Her collaboration with Drake on Fountains, from his album Certified Lover Boy (2021), further cemented her place in the global music industry. The following year, American rapper Future sampled her song Higher for his track Wait for U, which also featured Drake. The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, making Tems the first African artist to debut at the top of the chart.
Tems’ success at the 2023 Grammy Awards was a major milestone in her career. She won her first Grammy for Wait for U, securing the award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
A Unique Sound and Global Appeal
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, in 1995, Tems has built a reputation for her unique blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative music. Her debut EP, For Broken Ears (2020), introduced her distinctive sound to the world, featuring hits like Damages and Free Mind, which went viral on streaming platforms. In 2021, she followed up with If Orange Was a Place, after signing with RCA Records.
Her music, often characterized by deep lyricism and soulful melodies, has earned her a loyal international following and collaborations with some of the world’s biggest artists. Beyond her Grammy wins, she has received BET Awards, MTV Africa Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards, making her one of Africa’s most decorated female artists.
A Legacy in the Making
Tems’ latest Grammy win with ‘Love Me Jeje’ solidifies her place as a leading voice in African music. With her continuous rise in the global music industry, she is set to inspire a new generation of artists and further elevate Afrobeats on the world stage.
