In a moment of sheer elation and history-making, Nigerian singer Tems outshone heavyweights like Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Davido and Wizkid to secure the Best African Music Performance Grammy for her chart-topping hit Love Me Jeje.
The rising global star delivered an emotional acceptance speech on Sunday evening, expressing her overwhelming joy. “My heart was beating so fast,” she confessed, visibly moved by the honor.
This marks only the second year since the introduction of the Best African Music Performance category, a move widely celebrated as a significant step in recognizing the global influence of African artists. However, this year’s nominations stirred some debate, particularly with the inclusion of American R&B artist Chris Brown for his song Sensational, which features Afrobeats elements and guest vocals from Nigerian stars Davido and Lojay.
Tems’ Emotional Moment on Stage
As her name was announced at the prestigious Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles, Tems took to the stage breathlessly, making light of the moment: “I do work out, but it’s not showing up right now,” she joked, patting her chest to the amusement of the audience.
The 29-year-old went on to dedicate the award to her mother, whose birthday was just a day away. “Wow, dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing this team. Tomorrow is my mum’s birthday, and this is her first Grammys. I just want to thank you, Mum,” she said, motioning toward her, a heartfelt tribute to the woman she credits for shaping her journey.
Love Me Jeje’s Impressive Streaming Success
Tems’ Grammy-winning track Love Me Jeje is a nostalgic nod to Nigerian music history, sampling a line from Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic of the same name. The song has resonated deeply with fans, amassing 125 million streams on Spotify and 21 million views on YouTube—a testament to its widespread appeal.
This latest victory makes Tems the first Nigerian female artist to win two Grammy Awards. She previously won Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for her feature on Future’s hit Wait For U. Her continued success cements her status as a global force in the music industry.
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined in the celebration, hailing Tems’ achievement as a moment of pride for the nation. “Once again, you have made Nigeria proud on the global stage,” he said, commending her contributions to the country’s growing influence in the entertainment industry.
Beyond her Grammy victory, Tems was also nominated in two additional categories this year—Best Global Music Album for Born in the Wild and Best R&B Song for Burning. With a total of eight Grammy nominations to her name, her career trajectory continues to soar.
Tems’ journey to international acclaim began in 2018 with the release of her self-produced debut single, Mr Rebel. She gained further recognition in 2019 with Try Me, but it was her feature on Wizkid’s global hit Essence that propelled her to mainstream success, earning her multiple award nominations, including a Grammy nod.
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Over the years, she has amassed an impressive collection of accolades, including NAACP Image Awards, a Soul Train Music Award, and multiple BET Awards. With her distinctive voice, unique artistry, and undeniable talent, Tems continues to break barriers and redefine the global music landscape.
With her latest Grammy win, the future looks incredibly bright for Tems. Will she dominate the international stage even further? What collaborations and projects could be next for the Afrobeats queen? Share your thoughts, and let’s celebrate this incredible achievement together!