For the first time, a Nigerian artist has won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance. Tems clinched the award in a category dominated by Nigerian artists, including Burna Boy and Asake. Her song Love Me Jeje from her debut album Born in the Wild stood out, making her the second-ever recipient of the award, which was introduced last year and first won by South African star Tyla.

“Dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team,” Tems said in her acceptance speech. She dedicated the award to her mother, whose birthday falls on 3rd February.

Although Tems made history as the first indigenous African artist to receive a nomination in the R&B category at the Grammys, her hit Burning did not win, with the award going to SZA’s Saturn. She also missed out on the Best Global Music Album award, which was won by Matt B and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Born Temilade Openiyi, the 29-year-old now joins the ranks of Burna Boy, who won the Best Global Music Album Grammy in 2021 for Twice As Tall. This marks her second Grammy win; in 2023, she won the Best Melodic Rap Performance award for her contribution to Wait for U, a collaboration with Future and Drake.

The 2025 Grammy Awards were held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, United States.