Nigerian R&B sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has expressed her heartfelt appreciation to veteran singer Seyi Sodimu for allowing her to sample his 1997 classic Love Me Jeje in her Grammy-winning song of the same title.
The song, which seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern R&B and Afrobeats influences, played a crucial role in earning her the prestigious Best African Music Performance award at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. As the world celebrates her historic win, Tems has taken a moment to honor the legacy of the original song and the artist behind it.
In a highly competitive category, Love Me Jeje triumphed over other remarkable tracks, including Tomorrow by Yemi Alade, MMS by Asake and Wizkid, Sensational by Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay, and Higher by Burna Boy. The victory has sparked widespread excitement across the music industry, not just for Tems but also for Nigerian music as a whole.
The award marks a significant milestone in her career, reinforcing her status as one of Africa’s most influential and internationally recognized artists. However, rather than basking solely in personal glory, Tems chose to acknowledge the foundation upon which her success was built, crediting Seyi Sodimu for his contribution to the song’s journey.
Taking to her X handle on Monday, Tems expressed deep gratitude to Sodimu for his generosity in approving the sample. She emphasized how much the original Love Me Jeje meant to her and how honored she was to reintroduce it to a new generation of music lovers.
“I just want to thank the wonderful @seyimusic for his role in the support and clearing of his OG song Love Me Jeje,” she wrote. “It’s brought the original song back to life for me, and I’m glad that it’s getting its flowers today. A timeless classic.” Her words resonated with fans who praised her humility and appreciation for those who paved the way before her.
Beyond the celebration of her win, Tems’ message highlighted a deeper theme—the importance of honoring musical heritage and bridging generational gaps in the industry.
By reviving Love Me Jeje through her Grammy-winning rendition, she has ensured that Sodimu’s classic receives the global recognition it deserves. She concluded her post with a heartfelt message: “I appreciate you so much. Thank you for your love and support.”
This public acknowledgment not only solidifies her reputation as a thoughtful artist but also serves as a reminder of the beauty of collaboration and artistic evolution in music.
