Nigerian Afrobeats singer, Temilade Openiyi popularly known as Tems, has emerged winner in the Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards with her song, Love Me Jeje.
Hosted by South African comedian, Trevor Noah, the award ceremony took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California on Sunday, February 2, 2025 with some of musics biggest stars attending.
To clinch the coveted award, Tems beat other nominees – all virtually Nigerian artistes including Asake for MMS, Yemi Alade for Tomorrow, Burna Boy for Higher, and Chris Browns Sensational (featuring Davido & Lojay).
This is Tems second Grammy award, coming after her first, which she won last year for her contribution to Futures hit song, Wait For U.
Introduced only last year, the Best African Music Performance category was previously won by South African star, Tyla for her hit single, Water.
In her acceptance speech, an emotional Tems, resplendent in her golden gown, expressed gratitude to God, saying, Dear God. Thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team. Tomorrow is my mums 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.
“Happy birthday mum. And I want to thank my team. Muyiwa, Wale, 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.
Tems, however, did not forget Seyi Sodimu, the Nigerian musician whose 1997 chartbuster, Love Me Jeje she remade to win the award. In her post on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, she appreciated the effort and support of the veteran artiste for giving her the green light to remake the song.
She wrote: I just want to thank the wonderful #seyimusic for his role in the support and clearing of his OG song, Love Me Jeje. Its brought the original song back to life for me and Im glad that its getting its flowers today. A timeless classic. I appreciate you so much. Thank you for your love and support.