Tems Makes History: First Nigerian to Win Best African Music Performance at the Grammys
Music history was rewritten at the 2025 Grammy Awards as Tems became the first-ever Nigerian artist to win the prestigious Best African Music Performance category. Her hit song Love Me Jeje from her debut album Born in the Wild triumphed in a field dominated by powerhouse Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy and Asake.
The category, introduced just last year, was first won by South African sensation Tyla. Now, Tems joins an elite list of Grammy winners from Africa, cementing her place as a global force in music.
A visibly emotional Tems took to the stage, exuding grace and humility as she delivered a heartfelt acceptance speech.
“Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team,” she expressed, dedicating the award to her mother, whose birthday falls on February 3.
While Tems made history in the Best African Music Performance category, she faced stiff competition in other fields. Her chart-topping hit Burning was nominated in the Best R&B Performance category but lost to SZA’s Saturn. She also competed for Best Global Music Album, where Matt B and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra took home the prize.
Born Temilade Openiyi, the 29-year-old songstress now shares Grammy glory with the likes of Burna Boy, who won Best Global Music Album in 2021 for Twice As Tall. This latest win marks Tems’ second Grammy, following her 2023 victory in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for her contribution to Wait for U, a collaboration with Future and Drake.
The night was a dazzling celebration of talent at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Tems’ groundbreaking achievement shining as a defining moment in African music history.
Here’s to more milestones, more inspiration, and more African excellence on the world stage.
