Source:Instagram
Nigerian singer Tems took home the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, beating out stiff competition from Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, and Wizkidwith her song “Love Me Jeje”.
Only two years have passed since the category was created, a move that was warmly received as acknowledging the influence of African musicians on the world music scene.
This year, there was some controversy, though, because American R&B singer Chris Brown was nominated for his song Sensational, which has guest vocals by Nigerian singers Davido and Lojay and incorporates Afrobeats influences.
Tems was out of breath as she took to the stage after her name was called out at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
Receiving the award, Tems said: “Wow, dear God thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing this team”. She also dedicated the award to her mother.
Tems, who won Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for her appearance on Future’s popular song “Wait For U,” is now the first Nigerian artist to win two Grammys.
Bola Tinubu, the president of Nigeria, has also congratulated the artist and praised her for bringingpride to the country on the global stage for the second time.
In addition to Best African Music Performance, Tems also received nominations for Best Global Music Album for Born in the Wild and Best R&B Song for Burning. She has now been nominated eight times in her career.
With the release of her self-produced debut single, Mr. Rebel, in 2018, she started to establish herself. With Try Me, Tems attracted even more attention in 2019. Her international profile was boosted after being featured on Wizkid’s song Essence, which earned her several award nominations, including one for a Grammy.
She has received various accolades throughout her career, including multiple NAACP Image Awards, a Soul Train Music Award and BET Awards.
