Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, has made history once again by winning the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards held on February 2, 2025. Her song “Love Me JeJe” earned her the top spot, edging out other strong contenders such as Yemi Alade’s “Tomorrow,” Asake and Wizkid’s “MMS,” Davido and Lojay’s “Sensational,” and Burna Boy’s “Higher.”
This achievement is Tems’ second Grammy win, following her first in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance, where she featured on Future’s hit track “Wait For U.” With three nominations at this year’s event, Tems has now amassed eight career Grammy nominations. Her debut album Born in the Wild was also nominated for Best Global Music Album, while another single from the album, “Burning,” received a nomination for Best R&B Song.
The Grammy-winning track “Love Me JeJe” was released on April 26, 2024. It reimagines Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic of the same name, blending Afrobeats and R&B to create a nostalgic yet innovative sound. The Best African Music Performance category, introduced in 2024, recognizes African artists who make outstanding contributions to music. South African singer Tyla was the inaugural winner for her hit track “Water.”
This latest triumph solidifies Tems’ position as a trailblazer on the global music scene, shining a spotlight on the rise of African talent in the international music industry.
Profile: Who Is Tems?
Early Life and Background
Temilade Openiyi was born on June 11, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Nigerian mother and a British father. When Tems was five, her parents divorced, and she was raised by her mother. She attended Dowen College in Lagos before moving to South Africa for university studies in Economics. However, her passion for music eventually led her back to Nigeria to pursue a career in the industry.
Musical Influences and Early Career
Growing up, Tems was inspired by artists like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Asa. She began singing at an early age, refining her craft by learning music production on her own. In 2018, Tems released her debut single, Mr. Rebel, which quickly garnered attention for its soulful blend of Afrobeats and R&B.
Her breakthrough came in 2019 with the single Try Me, which solidified her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising artists. In 2020, her collaboration with Wizkid on Essence became a global phenomenon, earning her international acclaim.
Major Hits and Collaborations
Tems’ discography includes hit singles like:
- Try Me (2019)
- Essence (2020), featuring Wizkid
- Higher (2021)
- Love Me JeJe (2024)
She has also collaborated with major international artists, including Drake (Fountains) and Future (Wait For U), the latter of which earned her a Grammy in 2023.
Previous Awards and Recognitions
Tems has received numerous awards throughout her career, including:
- Grammy Awards: Best Melodic Rap Performance (2023), Best African Music Performance (2025)
- BET Awards: Best International Act (2022)
- MOBO Awards: Best African Music Act (2022)
- Soul Train Awards: Best Collaboration (for Essence, 2021)
She has also been nominated for a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for her contribution to the soundtrack of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Musical Style and Impact
Tems is celebrated for her distinct voice and emotive songwriting, often blending elements of Afro-soul, R&B, and reggae. Her rise has been pivotal in bringing African music to mainstream audiences worldwide. Tems is often credited with paving the way for a new wave of female artists in the Afrobeat genre.
Personal Life
Tems has remained private about her personal life but has spoken openly about her creative process and passion for music. She advocates for self-expression and often addresses themes of empowerment, love, and identity in her songs.
With her continued success on the global stage, Tems is poised to become one of Africa’s most iconic music stars in the years to come.
