Tems, the Nigerian singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and genre-blending sound, has strengthened her position in the international music scene with her Grammy nominations in 2025. Her Recording Academy recognition highlights her exceptional artistry and the growing global reach of African music.
As Afrobeats and other African genres continue to gain mainstream appeal, her achievements reflect the increasing demand for African talent. With Tems’ Grammy win in 2025, she has cemented her place among the leading artists shaping contemporary music, further establishing her as an influential figure in the industry.
Tems’ Triple Grammy Nominations in 2025

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At the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, Tems secured three prestigious nominations, further proving her versatility and impact on the global music scene. Her ability to seamlessly blend R&B, Afrobeats, and soul has earned her recognition across multiple categories, showcasing the depth of her artistry.
Best R&B Song: Burning – Nominated for its evocative lyrics and smooth production, solidifying Tems’ status in contemporary R&B.
Best African Music Performance: Love Me JeJe – Won the award, making Tems the first Nigerian artist to achieve this milestone. The win highlights Afrobeats’ growing global recognition.
Best Global Music Album: Born In The Wild – Nominated for its fusion of African rhythms, soulful melodies, and introspective storytelling, showcasing her artistic evolution.
Tems’ nominations and wins at the 2025 Grammy Awards reinforce her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation and the most Grammy-awarded afrobeat artist with 2 Grammys to her name. With each recognition, she continues to pave the way for African musicians, demonstrating that African music is a regional force and a global movement reshaping the industry.
Tems’ Journey and Achievements in Music
Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, began her musical journey in Lagos, Nigeria, where she developed a passion for singing and songwriting from an early age. Influenced by a mix of R&B, soul, and African rhythms, she crafted a distinctive sound that set her apart in the industry.
Her breakthrough came in 2019 with the release of “Try Me,” a song that showcased her raw vocals and introspective lyrics. The track quickly gained widespread attention, establishing her as a fresh voice in Nigeria’s alternative music scene.
In 2020, Tems gained international recognition by collaborating with Wizkid on “Essence.” The song became a global sensation, reaching the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance in 2022. The success of “Essence” propelled her onto the world stage and introduced her sound to a broader audience.
Following this momentum, she released her sophomore EP, “If Orange Was a Place” (2021), further solidifying her position in the industry. Her unique artistry earned her multiple accolades, including the BET Award for Best International Act and the Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough Award in 2023, making her the first African artist to receive the honour.
Tems continued to break barriers with international collaborations. She worked with Drake on “Fountains” and with Future on “Wait for U,” which won a Grammy for Best Melodic Rap Performance in 2023. These collaborations cemented her reputation as a sought-after global artist.
By 2025, her career had reached new heights, with multiple Grammy nominations and a historic win. Her journey from an emerging artist in Lagos to a globally recognised musician reflects her talent and the growing influence of African music on the world stage.
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Impact of Tems’ Grammy Nominations on Nigerian Artists
Tems’ Grammy success carries significant weight for Nigerians and African musicians:
Global Exposure: Her achievements spotlight Nigeria’s rich music scene, attracting new audiences to African sounds.
Inspiration for New Artists: Her rise to international fame proves that African artists can thrive on the world stage, motivating upcoming musicians.
Industry Growth: Her recognition signals the growing influence of African music, encouraging global labels and investors to focus more on African talent.
Tems’s impact extends beyond her own career. She has shaped the future of Afrobeats and opened doors for the next generation of artists.
Conclusion
Tems’ Grammy nominations and historic Grammy win in 2025 have elevated her career and African music globally. Her success not only reinforces the global appeal of Afrobeats but also paves the way for more African artists to gain international recognition. As the industry continues to embrace the continent’s sounds, her achievements are a powerful reminder that African music is not just influencing global trends but is shaping the future of music itself.
FAQs
- What songs earned Tems her 2025 Grammy nominations?
Tems was nominated for “Burning” (Best R&B Song), “Love Me JeJe” (Best African Music Performance), and her album “Born In The Wild” (Best Global Music Album).
- What is the significance of the Best African Music Performance category?
This category, introduced in 2024, recognises recordings highlighting unique African musical expressions, emphasising regional melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic traditions.
- How has Tems influenced the global perception of Afrobeats?
Through her innovative sound and international collaborations, Tems has played a pivotal role in bringing Afrobeats to mainstream audiences, enhancing its global appeal.
- What impact do Tems’ achievements have on other Nigerian artists?
Her success has increased global awareness of Nigerian music, inspired emerging artists, and encouraged the music industry to invest more in African talent.