Music fans and top Nigerian artists have expressed their congratulations to Tems, a singer who recently won a Grammy award in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for her contribution to the hit song “Wait for U” with Future and Drake.
Tems, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, defeated other strong contenders including Kendrick Lamar and DJ Khaled. Artists such as Tiwa Savage, Waje, and Omowunmi have posted messages praising Tems, with Afrobeats singer Olamide saying “it’s Tems’ time. Nobody can stop her shine. Superstar.”
Tems Makes History: Nigerian Singer Wins Grammy Award
Some fans on Twitter have claimed Tems to be the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy, although others argue that the historic first was achieved by British-Nigerian singer Sade, who has won the award four times. Tems, who is 27 years old, has risen to fame quickly, producing her debut single “Mr Rebel” in 2018, which attracted a large following called the Rebel Gang. Just over four years later, she has become a Grammy winner and has collaborated with numerous international artists, including WizKid, whose 2020 single “Essence” reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
I just met Tems. She’s my favourite. She’s amazing,
DJ Khaled
Tems’ vocal talent has been highly praised by fellow artists and she is rumored to be working on collaborations with big names such as Beyoncé and Rihanna. Meanwhile, South African artists Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini, and Nomcebo Zikode also won a Grammy Award in the Best Global Music Performance category for their collaboration “Bayethe.”
