By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
LOS ANGELES, USA – Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has once again etched her name in the annals of music history by winning the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, held on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
This victory makes Tems the first Nigerian artist to claim the award since its introduction by the Recording Academy to recognize Africa’s diverse and evolving music landscape. She triumphed over an array of heavyweights, including Burna Boy (Higher), Yemi Alade (Tomorrow), Asake featuring Wizkid (MMS), and Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay (Sensational).
Receiving the award with her mother by her side, an emotional Tems dedicated the win to her family and fans.
“This award is for my mother, who has been my rock and inspiration. Thank you for believing in me even when the journey seemed impossible,” she said during her acceptance speech.
Her winning track, Love Me JeJe, a modern reimagination of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic, was released on April 26, 2024, as part of her debut album, Born in the Wild. The song, which blends contemporary Afrobeats with soulful R&B, has resonated widely, earning both critical acclaim and commercial success.
She delivered a heartfelt speech at the 67th Grammy Awards, dedicating her Best African Music Performance win for “Love Me Jeje” to her mother. She expressed gratitude to God, her mother, and her team, highlighting her mother’s significant role in her and her brother’s lives.
Reflecting on her journey, Tems expressed her hope that her achievement would inspire young African artists.
“This is just the beginning. I hope this win inspires every young African girl to dream big and know that anything is possible,” she said.
Tems’ ascent to global recognition has been swift yet impactful. She first gained international acclaim with her feature on Wizkid’s Essence, a track that became a global anthem. She further solidified her status with her contribution to Future’s Wait For U, which won her first Grammy in 2023.
Her latest Grammy win not only cements her place among music’s elite but also underscores the growing influence of African music on the global stage.
With two Grammy Awards to her name, Tems continues to break barriers and redefine the perception of African artists worldwide.
