Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, won the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for her contribution to the hit song “Wait for U” which features Future and Drake. Tem`s team had to beat a strong field which included Kendrick Lamar and DJ Khaled.
fellow musicians like Tiwa Savage, Waje and Omowunmi have posted messages congratulating Tems. “It’s Tems’ time. Nobody can stop her shine. Superstar,” posted Afrobeat’s singer Olamide.
Tems’ vocals were sampled on the single that also features Canadian megastar rapper Drake.
The 65th grammy award hosted the world’s greatest artists at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles dated Sunday, February 5.
Tems ,27, is also the first non-mixed Nigerian female musician to win the prestigious award under the ‘Best Melodic Rap performance’ category.
The Afrobeats singer has added this to her list of accomplishments following her Africa Future awards win and her Oscar nomination.
In other news, Afrobeat artiste 5‘Burna boy’ lost his nominations in both categories. The African giant was beaten by Japan’s Masa Takumi to win the best Global Album category and South African’s Zake Bantwini, Wouter Kellerman and Nomcebo Zikode to win the Best Global music performance category.
She self-produced her debut single, Mr Rebel, in 2018, which led to an almost instant fan base called Rebel Gang, who appreciated its unique sound and faster pace compared to other female Nigerian singers.
Just over four years later, she’s a Grammy winner with a list of collaborations with notable international artists.
Featuring on WizKid’s 2020 single “Essence” helped propel her to global prominence when the song reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 charts. Dubbed the song of the summer, it saw her fan base expand beyond Africa.
She is reportedly working on collaborations with several mega starts including Beyoncé and Rihanna.
DJ Edu, host of BBC’s music show This Is Africa, said Tems has a “unique” style.
“It’s great to see Tems getting this recognition. She’s always stood out from the crowd, being true to her own unique sound and style, and I’m really happy she’s achieved such heights without having to conform,” he told BBC News.
“I nominated her as one to watch in 2020 so obviously I’m basking in her success,” he added.
