Victoria Mgbanwa
Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has once again solidified her place on the global music stage, winning the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on February 2, 2025, saw Tems claim the honor for her hit single “Love Me JeJe”, a modern reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic.
This victory is particularly significant as it marks her second career GRAMMY, reinforcing her status as one of Africa’s most influential artists. Tems first won a GRAMMY in 2023 for her contribution to Future’s “Wait for U,” featuring Drake. However, this latest win is even more special as it comes from a category dedicated to celebrating African music, highlighting her impact on the genre’s global expansion.
Tems triumphed over strong contenders, including Yemi Alade (“Tomorrow”), Asake & Wizkid (“MMS”), Chris Brown featuring Davido & Lojay (“Sensational”), and Burna Boy (“Higher”). The Best African Music Performance category, introduced in 2024, recognizes excellence in Afrobeats, Afro-fusion, and other African music genres, providing a platform for African artists to gain international recognition.
The success of “Love Me JeJe”, released on April 26, 2024, showcases Tems’ ability to blend Afrobeats and R&B, creating a nostalgic yet fresh sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. Her win not only cements her as a leading voice in African music but also opens doors for more African artists to break into the global mainstream.
As the world continues to embrace African music, Tems’ achievement serves as a testament to the genre’s growing influence and the limitless potential of artists from the continent.
