Nigerian superstar, Tems, claimed the prestigious African Music Performance Award at the 2025 Grammy Awards for her captivating hit “Love Me JeJe,” an interpolation of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic. This accolade further solidifies her position as one of Africa’s leading musical talents and showcases the global recognition of Afrobeats.
Tems first graced the stage with “Love Me JeJe” during her incredible set at Coachella in April, setting the tone for her immensely anticipated debut album, “Born in the Wild,” released in May. With her blend of emotive vocals and engaging stage presence, her performance left a lasting impression on audiences.
In her acceptance speech, Tems expressed her heartfelt gratitude, stating, “My heart is beating so fast. I’m so sorry – I do work out, but it’s not showing up right now.” Her humor and humility shone through as she thanked God and acknowledged her supportive team. Notably, Tems dedicated a special mention to her mother, whose birthday coincided with the event, saying, “Happy birthday, Mum. She’s really done a lot for me and my brother.”
“Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team,” the singer said in her speech. And tomorrow is my mum’s birthday. This is her first Grammys. I just want to thank you, Mum, because she’s really done a lot for me and my brother. Happy birthday, Mum.”
This latest Grammy win places Tems at the forefront of Nigerian music talent, as she now boasts more Grammy awards than any other Nigerian artist. Tems previously won the Best Melodic Rap Performance award in 2023 for her collaboration “Wait For U” with American hip-hop icons Future and Drake. In comparison, fellow Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Siriku Adepoju have each won a single Grammy, highlighting Tems’ exceptional achievements within a short span of time.
In this year’s competitive African Music Performance category, Tems stood out among notable artists such as Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Davido, Lojay, Asake, Wizkid, and Yemi Alade. The majority of her competitors hailed from Nigeria, underscoring the country’s burgeoning dominance in the African music industry. Tems’ victory not only highlights her talent but also exemplifies the rich musical landscape thriving in West Africa.
