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HomeUncategorizedTems Makes History at 2025 Grammys, Clinches Best African Music Performance Award

Tems Makes History at 2025 Grammys, Clinches Best African Music Performance Award

Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, made history at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards by securing the prestigious award for Best African Music Performance with her hit song Love Me JeJe.

Her win marked another significant milestone in her career, making it her second Grammy win. Tems triumphed over a competitive field of talented African artists, including Tomorrow by Yemi Alade, MMS by Asake featuring Wizkid, Sensational by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay, and Higher by Burna Boy.

This victory is a testament to Tems’ continued rise on the global stage, showcasing her powerful and unique sound that blends elements of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul. Love Me JeJe is a song that resonated with many fans for its melodic hooks and emotional depth, contributing to Tems’ increasing influence in the music world. With this win, Tems further solidifies her place as one of the leading voices of contemporary African music.

The Best African Music Performance category is relatively new, having made its debut in 2024, with South Africa’s Tyla winning the inaugural award for her track Water. Tems’ win in 2025 further underscores the global appreciation of African talent, as the genre continues to gain prominence in mainstream music.

At this year’s Grammy Awards, Tems received three nominations, bringing her total career nominations to an impressive eight. Apart from winning in the Best African Music Performance category, she was also nominated for Best Global Music Album for Born in the Wild and Best R&B Song for Burning. Although she did not take home the awards in those categories, her achievements at the Grammys continue to be a remarkable testament to her artistry and versatility.

The Best Global Music Album category, which recognizes international musical excellence, saw Tems competing with several notable artists, but the award ultimately went to Matt B & the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for Alkebulan II. Nevertheless, Tems’ nomination in this category demonstrates her global reach and impact.

Tems’ Grammy recognition builds on the momentum of her growing international career. Alongside her musical accomplishments, she has become a symbol of Afrobeat’s international success, paving the way for other African artists to gain recognition in prestigious spaces such as the Grammys. Her journey has been one of consistent excellence, and her Grammy win is a reflection of her dedication and passion for her craft.

The 67th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony took place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, with several Nigerian artists nominated across various categories. Tems was among the standout stars from Nigeria, whose presence and performances continue to shine globally.

In addition to Tems, other Nigerian nominees included:

  • Asake & Wizkid for MMS in the Best African Music Performance category
  • Burna Boy for Higher in the same category
  • Chris Brown featuring Davido & Lojay for Sensational
  • Yemi Alade for Tomorrow in the Best African Music Performance category
  • Rema for Best Global Music Album for Heis

Despite stiff competition, Tems’ victory marks a momentous achievement for her career and for Nigerian music as a whole. Her success continues to inspire many aspiring artists across Africa and beyond, further cementing her legacy as a global music icon.

Other notable moments from the Grammy Awards included Tyla’s victory in 2024 for Water, while 2025 saw Tems joining the ranks of Afrobeats stars achieving international recognition.

As Tems continues to garner accolades, her journey is a beacon of hope and success for African musicians, proving that hard work, innovation, and authenticity can indeed break barriers and make waves on the global stage.

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