Los Angeles – Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, delivered an emotional speech as she accepted the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th Grammy Awards for her song Love Me Jeje.
The prestigious ceremony took place on Sunday night at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, marking another milestone in the artist’s remarkable career.
Taking the stage, a visibly emotional Tems expressed gratitude, dedicating her win to her mother, whose birthday falls on the day after the awards.
“Wow, dear God. Thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team,” she said. “Tomorrow is my mum’s birthday, and this is her first Grammys. I just want to thank you, ma, because she has really done a lot for me and my brother.”
She continued by acknowledging her team members, including her manager Muyiwa, collaborator Wale, and her stylist. “My beautiful stylist and lovely girls… I love you guys. Thank you so much. To God be the glory. Honestly, He has changed my life so much,” she added.
A Second Grammy Win for Tems
This award marks Tems’ second Grammy win, following her first victory in 2023 for her contribution to Future’s hit single Wait For U, which featured both the American rapper and Canadian superstar Drake. With this latest accolade, Tems continues to solidify her presence on the global music stage as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary artists.
The Best African Music Performance category, introduced at the 67th Grammys, aims to recognize the growing influence and popularity of African music on the international scene. Tems faced strong competition from other talented African artists but emerged victorious, further cementing her reputation as a leading figure in Afrobeats and R&B fusion.
‘Love Me Jeje’: A Celebration of African Roots
The winning song, Love Me Jeje, is a reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic hit of the same name. Tems’ version blends modern R&B elements with the nostalgic melodies of the original, making it a standout track in her discography. The song has received widespread acclaim for its production, soulful delivery, and the seamless way it pays homage to Nigerian musical heritage while appealing to a global audience.
Tems has consistently emphasized her dedication to celebrating African music on a worldwide scale. “I just want my music to be a reflection of who I am, where I come from, and the stories I want to tell,” she said in a previous interview.
A Rising Icon in Global Music
Since her breakout with Essence—her chart-topping collaboration with Wizkid—Tems has rapidly ascended the ranks of international music, gaining recognition from artists such as Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Adele. Her unique voice, poetic lyricism, and genre-blending style have made her a sought-after collaborator and performer.
Her latest Grammy win serves as further proof of the increasing recognition of African music on the global stage. With two Grammy awards now to her name, Tems continues to make history, inspiring a new generation of African artists to dream big and break barriers.
As she celebrated her victory, Tems’ heartfelt words and gratitude underscored her journey from Lagos to international acclaim, proving that her musical success is only just beginning.
