Nigerian singer, Tems, made history on Sunday, February 5, after becoming the first Nigerian female singer to win a Grammy.
The singer, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, won her first Grammy at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards for her work on Future’s song “Wait For U,” which also features Drake.
The musical sensation triumphed over performers like Latto (“Big Energy (Live)”), Jack Harlow (“First Class”), Kendrick Lamar (“Die Hard”), and DJ Khaled in the category of Best Melodic Rap Performance. At 27 years old, she has accomplished so much in the global music industry.
Tems, who has made a big impression with her music over the past few years, was also nominated for Album of the Year for her contribution to Beyoncé’s Renaissance album.
Earlier this year, the “Higher” Singer scored an Oscar nomination at the 2023 Oscars for co-writing “Lift Me Up’, one of the songs on ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
“Wait For U” sampled Tems’ song “Higher,” which was a record off of her 2020 debut album For Broken Ears. “Wait For U’” was released on May 3, 2022, and was released as the second single from Future’s ninth studio album, I Never Liked You.
Shortly after the record was released, Future took to social media to praise Tems’ vocal ability. The rest of 2022 would involve Tems getting praise and international recognition for her artistry, and a fleet of projects, including notable collaborations with mega stars like Beyoncé and Rihanna.
How Nigerians reacted: Ever since news of Tems’ win broke, many fans have taken to social media to excitedly congratulate the star.
African Dream said “SHE. HAS. DONE. IT. Tems becomes the first Nigerian female artist to win the Grammy Award. Congratulations star girl.”
Nairametrics
