Nigerian Singer, Tems has won the second-ever Grammy award for Best African Music Performance. The Nigerian singer picked up the award for her sunny hit song, “Love Me Jeje,” which samples the iconic 1997 single of the same title by Nigerian pop forebearer Seyi Sodimu.
“Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage,” the singer remarked with palpable gratitude, also appreciating her managers and team. Also on the stage was Tems’ mom, who received a hearty shout-out.
This is Tems’ second Grammy win, following her Best Melodic Rap Performance win in 2023 for featuring on “WAIT FOR YOU,” the Future song that also features Drake and heavily samples Tems’ “Higher.”
In the Best Global Music Album category, Tems and Rema lost out to American singer Matt B, who said his winning album Alkebulan II, was “created as a way of shining a light on Africa and the beautiful culture that [black people] from the diaspora come from.”
Meanwhile fans and critics are divided over Grammy-winning singer’s decision to cancel her March 22 concert in Kigali.
In her statement on X on Thursday, January 30, Tems apologized for any insensitivity: “I recently promoted my show in Rwanda without realizing that there is an ongoing conflict between Rwanda and Congo. I never ever intend to be insensitive to real-world issues.”
Some Rwandan fans expressed disappointment, with one demanding ticket reimbursements: “That apology is wasted. You know nothing about real-world issues.”