NIGERIAN singer and songwriter, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has once again placed Nigeria on the global stage with her second Grammy win. At the 67th Grammy Awards, she secured her first solo award in the Best African Music Performance category for her song, ‘Love Me Jeje’. This historic feat makes her the first Nigerian female artist to win a solo Grammy, further cementing her position as a trailblazer in the industry.
Tems’ victory has been met with widespread jubilation in Nigeria, with fans, fellow artists, industry stakeholders, and even the President celebrating her achievement. Afrobeat, once a niche genre confined to Nigeria and a few African nations, has now evolved into a worldwide movement. The genre, pioneered by legends like Fela Kuti, has been redefined by modern artists, making waves in international music circles. The genre is no longer just about rhythm and melody; it is a powerful cultural export, influencing global music trends and inspiring collaborations with international artists. The recognition of Best African Music Performance as a Grammy category itself is proof of Afrobeat’s increasing relevance.
But it is not just Tems pushing the boundaries of Afrobeat and redefining its sound, young musicians like Rema, Ayra Starr, Fireboy DML, and Asake have continued to showcase the versatility of the genre, blending traditional African sounds with modern pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences. Rema’s Calm Down, which featured Selena Gomez, became a global hit, topping charts and breaking streaming records. Ayra Starr’s Rush gained massive international acclaim while Asake’s unique fusion of Fuji and Afrobeat is reshaping contemporary Nigerian music. These artists, alongside established names like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, are ensuring that Afrobeat remains in the global spotlight.
Temilade follows in the footsteps of other Nigerian Grammy winners who paved the way for Afrobeat’s global recognition. The first Nigerian to win a Grammy was Helen Folasade Adu, widely known as Sade Adu. Born to a Nigerian father and a British mother, she gained worldwide fame with her soulful music and won Best New Artist at the 1986 Grammys. Over the years, she has won four Grammys, proving the longevity and influence of Nigerian artistry.
More recently, Burna Boy secured his first Grammy in 2021 for his album Twice as Tall, which won Best Global Music Album. Burna Boy’s win was particularly significant because it marked the first time a Nigerian artist won a Grammy for a body of work rather than a collaboration. That same year, Wizkid also earned a Grammy for Brown Skin Girl, his collaboration with Beyoncé.
Beyond her musical success, Tems is an inspiration to young women, particularly in an industry where female artists often struggle for recognition. Her achievement sends a strong message to aspiring female musicians across Africa that it is possible to break barriers and compete on a global scale. Her success, along with that of Yemi Alade Tiwa Savage, Simi, Asa, and many others is gradually changing the narrative, proving that Nigerian women have a place in the international music scene.
However, Tems’ Grammy win also comes with a significant lesson: the reward for hard work is more work. With two Grammys under her belt, the first won in 2023 for her part in Future’s hit single ‘Wait For U’ under the award category for ‘Best Melodic Rap performance’, expectations are even higher. The global spotlight is on her, and she must continue to innovate and refine her craft. This is the time to build on her success, collaborate with more international artists, and continue representing Nigeria on the biggest stages.
Tems’ second Grammy is more than just another trophy it is a victory for Nigeria, for Afrobeat, and for every young artist dreaming of making it big. It symbolises how far the country’s music industry has come and the limitless potential ahead. As Afrobeat continues to captivate the world, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s influence on global music is only just beginning.
