It was the biggest night for music, especially for artists like Kendrick Lamar and Beyonce, who took home multiple Recording Academy Awards at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles last night. However the spotlight was once again on Best African Music Performance, which was presented for the first time last year, as the continent’s biggest stars were nominated.
From contenders Yemi Alade (Tomorrow) to Asake and Wizkid (MMS), from Chris Brown Featuring Davido and Lojay (Sensational), and Burna Boy (Higher), it was 29-year-old Temilade Openiyi, known professionally as Tems, who took home the category award, making this her second Grammy.
“My heart is beating so fast. I’m so sorry – I do work out, but it’s not showing up right now,” Openiyi, said in her acceptance speech.
Openiyi won for her Afrobeats single Love Me JeJe, which is her remake of the 1997 Nigerian classic by Seyi Sodimu. She performed the song for the first time during her Coachella set in April last year which generated a lot of popularity, ahead of the release of her debut album Born in the Wild in May.
The Nigerian singer first rose to fame after gaining worldwide recognition for her hit singles Mr. Rebel and Try Me, Essence’s success. In 2023, she took home her first Grammy award for Best Melodic Rap PerformanceforWAIT FOR U.
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“I had no idea my life was about to change when I did that song,” Openiyi said in an exclusive interview with FORBES AFRICA in 2022 after her feature on Balogun’s 2020 single Essence. “Every day since then is like a dream and I am super thankful for the opportunity I have for people to hear my work on a global scale.”
Last night, the songtress honored her mother for her win, “This is her first Grammy and I just want to thank you mom because she is really done a lot for me and my brother. Happy Birthday mom.”
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