Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems achieved another historic milestone at the 2025 Grammy Awards by winning the Best African Music Performance category.
The victory marks her second Grammy win and further cements her status as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary artists. The category, which debuted at the 2024 Grammys, was previously won by South African singer Tyla for her global hit, Water.
In a remarkable display of Nigerian dominance in the global music scene, every nominated song in this year’s category featured Nigerian artists, showcasing the country’s continued impact on international music.
Tems secured the prestigious award against strong competition from some of the biggest names in African and global music. Among the nominees were Yemi Alade’s Tomorrow, Asake’s MMS featuring Wizkid, Chris Brown’s Sensational featuring Davido and Lojay, and Burna Boy’s Higher.
Each of these songs had enjoyed massive success, but it was Tems’ powerful performance on Love Me Jeje that earned her the Grammy win. Her triumph was a testament to her artistry and ability to connect with audiences worldwide through her distinct voice and emotive songwriting.
In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Tems expressed deep gratitude to both God and her mother, acknowledging the unwavering support she has received throughout her journey. Speaking to the audience, she said:
“Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team. Tomorrow is my mum’s birthday, and this is her first Grammys, and I just want to thank you, mum, because she’s really done a lot for me and my brother. I want to thank my team, thank you so much. To God be the glory because honestly, he’s changed my life so much. Thank you so much, thank you God.” Her words resonated deeply with fans and industry colleagues, further solidifying her as an artist whose success is rooted in faith, family, and hard work.
Despite her Grammy win, Tems faced a setback in another highly competitive category. She was nominated for Best R&B Song for her collaboration on Saturn, but the award ultimately went to American singer SZA for the same track.
The category featured some of the biggest names in contemporary R&B, including Muni Long, Coco Jones, and Kehlani. Although she did not secure the award in this instance, her nomination was groundbreaking in itself.
Tems’ recognition in the Best R&B Song category made history, as she became the first Nigerian female artist to be nominated outside of the global categories as a leading act. This milestone is significant, as it highlights the increasing global acceptance of Afrobeats and African artists in mainstream Western genres.
Additionally, she made history as the first Nigerian export to be nominated in an R&B category as a solo act, a feat that underscores her versatility and influence in shaping the evolving soundscape of global music.
With her latest Grammy win and continued international acclaim, Tems remains a trailblazer for African music on the world stage. Her success serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists across the continent, proving that African music is not just a regional force but a dominant player in the global industry.
As she continues to break barriers and redefine what is possible for African artists, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this extraordinary talent.
