Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems took center stage, winning the Best African Music Performance award for her hit Love Me Jeje. She triumphed over a star-studded lineup of nominees, including Yemi Alade, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and even US R&B star Chris Brown.
The Best African Music Performance category, introduced just last year, has quickly become one of the most anticipated at the Grammys. It recognizes the immense impact African artists have had on the global music scene, and this year’s nominees were a testament to the genre’s diversity and creativity.
Tems’ Love Me Jeje stood out for its soulful melodies, heartfelt lyrics, and undeniable charm. The song, a fan favorite since its release, showcases Tems’ unique ability to blend Afrobeat, R&B, and soul into a sound that resonates with listeners worldwide.
“Love Me Jeje,” blends a line from Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 Nigerian classic of the same name, has amassed 125 million listens on Spotify and 21 million views on YouTube. With the award she received on Sunday, Tems has made history as the first Nigerian to hold two Grammys, having won the Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023 for her collaboration on Future’s hit “Wait For U.”
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu praised her for bringing pride to the African nation once more.
“From Africa to Antarctica, Asia to Australia, Europe to the Americas, the Nigerian music industry, particularly Afrobeats, has become a source of national pride, promoting a sense of identity and self-expression while uniting people across borders,” he said in a statement.
Tems was out of breath as she stepped onto the stage after hearing her name announced at the awards ceremony in Los Angeles.
In an emotional acceptance speech on Sunday evening, she said her “heart was beating so fast.”
“I do work out, but it’s not showing up right now,” Tems joked as she patted her heart to the audience’s amusement while praising her mother.
“Wow, dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing this team, and tomorrow is my mum’s birthday, and this is her first Grammys. I just want to thank you, Mum,” she said, gesturing towards her, “because she has done a lot for me and my brother.”
In addition to the Best African Music Performance, Tems received nominations in two more categories – Best Global Music Album for Born in the Wild and Best R&B Song for Burning. Throughout her career, she has accumulated a total of eight nominations.
Tems’ win is a celebration of her artistry and a nod to the rich musical heritage of Africa.