The 67th Annual Grammy Awards was a monumental night for music, celebrating global icons like Kendrick Lamar and Beyoncé.
However, all eyes were on the Best African Music Performance category, introduced just last year, as Africa’s biggest stars vied for the prestigious award.
The nominees were Yemi Alade (Tomorrow), Asake and Wizkid (MMS), Chris Brown featuring Davido and Lojay (Sensational), and Burna Boy (Higher). But it was Temilade Openiyi, known as Tems, who claimed the award, marking her second Grammy win.
Winning for her Afrobeats single ‘Love Me JeJe’, a remake of Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic, Tems’ victory was a defining moment in her career. She first performed the song during her Coachella set in April 2023, generating massive anticipation ahead of the release of her debut album, Born in the Wild, in May. Accepting the award, she shared an emotional speech, dedicating the win to her mother:
“This is her first Grammy, and I just want to thank you, Mom. She has done so much for me and my brother. Happy birthday, Mom.”
Beyond her chart-topping hits, Tems’ journey is not just about music—it’s about ownership, independence, and strategic branding.
Entrepreneur in Music
In the global music industry, where talent meets strategy, Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Temilade Openiyi—popularly known as Tems—has carved a niche not just as an artist but as an entrepreneur.
With the release of her highly anticipated debut album, Born in the Wild, Tems continues to showcase her brilliance, independence, and business acumen, solidifying her place as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry.
Beyond her captivating voice and genre-blending sound, Tems has displayed remarkable entrepreneurial skills.
She is not just an artist; she is a brand.
From her mastering her music to carefully curating her collaborations,
Tems exemplifies what it means to be a modern-day independent musician.
She is one of the few African artists who have maintained significant control over their artistry, a move that ensures she benefits directly from her work.
Her business mindset is evident in her strategic partnerships.
From her breakout collaboration with Wizkid on “Essence”, which catapulted her onto the global stage, to working with international superstars like Drake, Future, and Beyoncé.
Tems has built a reputation that extends beyond music—she represents African excellence on a global scale.
Tems’ latest album, Born in the Wild, is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a deeply personal journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery. The album reflects her experiences navigating the challenges of the music industry, societal expectations, and personal struggles.
“There was no electricity when my mom gave birth to me,” she told NPR.
“It was night in my life for so long that, like, I just thought it was never coming.”
With themes of freedom, identity, and empowerment, Born in the Wild resonates with anyone who has ever felt the need to break free and define their own path.
The album features a mix of soulful melodies, Afro-fusion, and R&B influences, showcasing Tems’ signature style while pushing creative boundaries.
As an entrepreneur, Tems understands the importance of storytelling in branding, and Born in the Wild is not just an artistic expression but a business move that reinforces her identity as an independent and visionary artist.
Her journey is a source of inspiration for women in the entertainment industry and beyond.
As Born in the Wild continues to make waves, one thing is clear: Tems is not just an artist—she is a movement.
Her influence goes beyond music; she represents empowerment, ownership, and innovation, redefining what it means to be a successful woman in today’s creative economy.
