In a stunning moment at the 2025 Grammy Awards, Nigerian sensation Temilade Openiyi—known professionally as Tems—secured her second Grammy Award by winning the coveted ‘Best African Music Performance’ category. The victory, which took place in the early hours of Monday, has been hailed as a monumental achievement for both her career and the African music scene at large.
Tems received the award for her infectious hit “Love Me Jeje,” a track that pays homage to Nigerian pop legend Seyi Sodimu by sampling his iconic 1997 single of the same name. Clad in a striking ensemble that celebrated her ebony skin, the 29-year-old artist delivered an emotional acceptance speech. “Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage,” she expressed, giving credit to her team and managers who have supported her journey to stardom.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, Tems shared the stage with her mother, whose presence elicited heartfelt applause from the audience—a touching reminder of the personal sacrifices and family support that underpin her success.
Tems emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive field, which included top-tier performers such as Burna Boy with his hit “Higher,” a joint collaboration between Asake and Wizkid on “MMS,” Chris Brown’s “Sensational,” the dynamic pairing of Davido and Lojay, and “Tomorrow” by digital cover star Yemi Alade. Despite the stiff competition, Tems’ powerful performance and unique sound resonated strongly with the voting members of the Recording Academy.
This Grammy win marks a significant milestone in Tems’ already meteoric career, which gained international acclaim following her breakthrough feature on Wizkid’s 2020 hit “Essence.” Her previous Grammy accolade came in 2023 when she won for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to “WAIT FOR YOU,” a future hit that also featured Drake and prominently sampled her own track “Higher.”
While Tems celebrated her win in the African Music Performance category, the awards night also saw American artist Matt B take home the Best Global Music Album for his project Alkebulan II, a collaborative masterpiece with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra that celebrates the rich tapestry of African culture.
Tems’ historic win not only underscores the growing influence of African music on the global stage but also inspires countless young girls across the continent to believe in themselves and boldly showcase their talents. As she continues to break new ground, Tems’ success is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of African artistry in today’s music industry.
