Tems wins Grammy: Nigerians celebrate rap award

Top Nigerian artists have joined music fans from across the world to congratulate singer Tems on winning a Grammy award.

She won the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for her contribution to the hit song Wait for U with Future and Drake.

They beat a strong field which included Kendrick Lamar and DJ Khaled.

Artists including Tiwa Savage, Waje and Omowunmi have posted messages congratulating Tems.

However, others argue that historic first was achieved by British-Nigerian singer Sade, whose real name is Helen Folasade Adu. She has won the award four times.

Tems, 27, whose real name is Temilade Openiyi, has experienced a remarkable rise.

She self-produced her debut single, Mr Rebel, in 2018, which led to an almost instant fan base called Rebel Gang, who appreciated its unique sound and faster pace compared to other female Nigerian singers.

Just over four years later, she’s a Grammy winner with a list of collaborations with notable international artists.

Featuring on WizKid’s 2020 single Essence helped propel her to global prominence when the song reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Dubbed the song of the summer, it saw her fan base expand beyond Africa.

She is reportedly working on collaborations with several mega starts including Beyoncé and Rihanna.

Her vocal talent has been praised by fellow artists.

DJ Edu, host of BBC’s music show This Is Africa, said Tems has a “unique” style.

“It’s great to see Tems getting this recognition. She’s always stood out from the crowd, being true to her own unique sound and style, and I’m really happy she’s achieved such heights without having to conform,” he told BBC News.

“I nominated her as one to watch in 2020 so obviously I’m basking in her success,” he added.

Meanwhile, South Africans Wouter Kellerman, Zakes Bantwini and Nomcebo Zikode also won a Grammy Award – for Best Global Music Performance for their collaboration Bayethe.