Tems has made history as the first Nigerian female artist to win a Grammy.
The “Free Mind” singer won the Best Melodic Rap Performance award for her vocal and writing contribution to hit song “WAIT FOR U” by Future featuring Drake and herself at the 2023 Grammys ceremony in Los Angeles, California yesterday (Feb. 5). ATL Jacob, who produced the track, accepted the award on everyone’s behalf.
Other nominees in that category included DJ Khaled featuring Future and SZA for “Beautiful,” Jack Harlow for “First Class,” Kendrick Lamar featuring Blxst and Amanda Reifer for “Die Hard” and Latto for “Big Energy (Live).”
“It’s incredible,” the 27-year-old told Rolling Stone about the accomplishment. “I get to work with people — five years ago were on my playlist. I was jamming to them and now I’m working with them. It’s such a pleasure. I feel like this is just the beginning.”
Last month, Rihanna and Tems earned their first Oscar nomination for Best Original Song from the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The Nigerian native was credited as a song writer of the song, “Lift Me Up.” Tems rose to fame after she was featured on Wizkid’s hit single “Essence” in 2020. The song made it to the top ten of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart after the release of a remixed version featuring Justin Bieber.
Tems earned her fifth entry on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chat with her collaboration on Beyoncé’s song “Move” from her Renaissance album.