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Tems becomes first Nigerian female singer to win Grammy award

Tems becomes first Nigerian female singer to win Grammy award

Grammy awards 2023. Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, made history as she took home her first Grammy award at the just concluded award ceremony.

The 27-year-old singer won “Best Melodic Rap Performance” for her work on the song “Wait for U” alongside American rappers Drake and Future. The song samples Tems track “Higher” from her 2020 debut album “For Broken Ears.”

Tems is also credited on Beyonce’s “Renaissance” album which won “Best Dance/Electronic Music Album” at the Grammy awards making Beyonce one of the most awarded musicians in Grammy’s history.

She also made an impact last year for her work on the “Wakanda Forever” soundtrack. Writing one of the most popular songs from the album called “Lift Me Up” performed by Rihanna. 

Tems rose to prominence after she was featured on Wizkid’s 2020 single “Essence,” which reached the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 after the release of a remixed version with an additional feature from Justin Bieber, and earned her a Grammy Award nomination.

The singer has received congratulatory messages on her social media after the announcement;

@Afrospecials said: RECORD BREAKER: “Tems’ Grammy Award tonight makes her the first female Nigerian artiste to bag a Grammy. Big Tems for a reason.”
@Shawnifee said: “Tems’ growth through the years has been mindblowing. Now she’s won a Grammy, becoming the first Nigerian female act to win the Award. Big Tems herself!”
Another fan wrote: “Tems with her first Grammy win at the main categoriesHer growth is just too amazing. Big Tems for a reason! For the culture baby. Love you big.”

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Source: BBC