Long before Afrobeats became a global phenomenon, Sade Adu had already placed Nigeria on the Grammy map. Born Helen Folasade Adu in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, in 1959, she moved to England at age four, where she pursued a career in fashion and modelling before transitioning to music.
In 1983, she formed the band ‘Sade’ and quickly gained recognition. The following year, she and her team released ‘Diamond Life’, an album that became one of the best-selling debuts by a British female artist, solidifying her place in music history.
Sade’s Grammy breakthrough came in 1986, when she won Best New Artist, making her the first Nigerian-born artist to win a Grammy. Her signature smooth, soulful voice and a sound that fused jazz, R&B, and soft rock made her a global icon.
Her musical philosophy has always been cantered on authenticity. In her own words:
“I only make records when I feel I have something to say. I’m not interested in releasing music just for the sake of selling something.”
Her timeless hits, including “Smooth Operator” and “No Ordinary Love”, are masterpieces of storytelling, blending deep lyrical poetry with hauntingly beautiful melodies.
Her impact extended far beyond music; in 2002, she was honored as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her contributions to music.
Sade Adu’s Grammy journey continued with further wins:
- 1994: Best R&B Performance (No Ordinary Love)
- 2002: Best Pop Vocal Album (Lovers Rock)
- 2011: Best R&B Performance (Soldier of Love)
Her legacy remains unmatched, and nearly four decades after her first Grammy win, her influence still echoes through today’s generation of Nigerian artists.
Tems: The Voice of a New Generation
Three decades after Sade Adu’s Grammy breakthrough, Tems (Temilade Openiyi) emerged as the next Nigerian female artist to shake up the global music scene.
At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Tems clinched Best African Music Performance, defeating some of Nigeria’s biggest names, including Wizkid, Burna Boy, Asake, and Yemi Alade.
Her Grammy victory in 2025 marked a milestone:
✅ First Nigerian female artist to win two Grammys
✅ Second African female artist to win Best African Music Performance
This was not her first Grammy success. In 2023, she won Best Melodic Rap Performance for her feature on ‘Wait For U’, a collaboration with Future and Drake that captivated audiences worldwide.
Tems’ musical journey began with her debut extended play (EP), ‘For Broken Ears’ (2020), followed by ‘If Orange Was a Place’ (2021). Her deep, husky voice, combined with an effortless blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and alternative sounds, set her apart in the music industry.
In an interview with DJBooth, Tems emphasized the therapeutic nature of her music, stating, “Music is my therapy. It was my first way of expressing myself.” This sentiment aligns with the essence of the quote, highlighting her focus on creating art that deeply connects with listeners
Beyond her Grammy wins, she was also nominated for Best Global Music Performance for her feature on Wizkid’s smash hit ‘Essence’, which also featured Justin Bieber.
At just 29 years old, Tems is at the forefront of Nigeria’s new wave of global music icons, breaking barriers for African female artists and setting the stage for more Grammy-winning stars to emerge.
While Sade Adu and Tems have been the most celebrated Nigerian female Grammy winners, many other female artists are making waves:
🎵 Yemi Alade – Grammy-nominated Afropop powerhouse
🎵 Ayra Starr – Rising star with global appeal
🎵 Tiwa Savage – Grammy-nominated contributor to The Lion King: The Gift
Nigeria’s female Grammy winners and nominees have not only broken glass ceilings but have also inspired a new wave of African women in music. Their successes prove that Nigerian music is not just a trend—it’s a global movement.
As the Grammys continue to evolve, it is only a matter of time before more Nigerian female artists take home the coveted award.
The world is watching. 🌍🎶🏆
By Michael Damilola
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