Nigerian Afrobeats artiste, Tems, won the Grammy for Best African Music Performance, at the 2025 Grammy Awards held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, US.
Earning her second golden gramophone, Tems defeated a predominantly Afrobeats-nominated category at the 67th Recording Academy Awards, with her love song “Love Me Jeje”.
She overcomes strong opposition from fellow countrymen Burna Boy, Asake, and Wizkid for their collaboration on “MMS,” Yemi Alade, and Chris Brown’s “Sensational,” which features Davido and Lojay.
Born Temilade Openiyi, the 29-year-old now joins the ranks of Burna Boy, who won the Best Global Music Album Grammy in 2021 for his album Twice As Tall.
The award will mark her second Grammy win. In 2023, she won in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for her contribution to the hit song ‘Wait for U’ with Future and Drake.
Read also: Singer Tems cancels Rwanda show over M23 crisis
Other nominees in the category
“Tomorrow” — Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade has gained her first solo Grammy nomination for her song “Tomorrow” produced by Dee Yasso. The song which was released in 2024 boasts of a strong African identity blending Nigerian and South African rhythms and lyrics.
“MMS” — Asake & Wizkid
Ahmed Ololade Asake popularly known as Asake captured the hearts of his fans last year with the release of his single dubbed, “MMS”. The song is a standout on his new third studio album, “Lungu Boy”. Asake teamed up with Afrobeats sensation Wizkid for this song. The song has been nominated for the best African MUSIC performance for the 67th Grammy Awards contending with other heavyweight singers in the category.
“Sensational” — Chris Brown Featuring Davido & Lojay
This year’s nominations have sparked controversy with the inclusion of US R&B singer, Chris Brown for his song “Sensational” which incorporates Afrobeats elements and features guest vocals from Nigerian artists Davido and Lojay.
This year might just mark the first time a non-African will be crowned winner of the category at Music’s biggest night in Los Angeles. But till then, fingers remain crossed!
“Higher” — Burna Boy
Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu popularly known as Burna Boy is not a stranger to the awards circuit. He has been nominated in different categories for the Grammy Awards.
He won the Best Global Music Album Grammy in 2021 for his album “Twice as Tall.” He also ended a historic 2023 at No. 1 on the Billboard Year-End US Afrobeats Artists Chart, as well as one of the 10 most streamed male African artists on Spotify.
The ‘Dangote’ crooner has now totalled six consecutive years with Grammy nominations-including his recent single “Higher” which has been nominated for the “Best African Music Performance” at this year’s ceremony.
