On February 2, 2025, Nigerian artist Tems made history once more by taking home the Best African Music Performance trophy from the 67th Grammy Awards. Her song “Love Me JeJe” won the prize, becoming her the only African performer to do so that evening.
Since the category’s inception in 2024, only women have won it; Tems’ triumph continues this impressive trend. With her viral hit song “Water,” Tyla from South Africa became the first-ever winner in 2024.
Some of the biggest talents on the continent, such as Burna Boy (“Higher”), Asake & Wizkid (“MMS”), Yemi Alade (“Tomorrow”), and Chris Brown featuring Davido & Lojay (“Sensational”), competed fiercely in the Best African Music Performance category. But Tems came out on top securing her status as the Nigerian with the most Grammys Awards.
Beyoncé made history that evening as well, becoming the most-awarded artist in Grammy history after winning Album of the Year for the first time in her career with Cowboy Carter.
Sabrina Carpenter won her first Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Album
while Kendrick Lamar excelled in the rap categories.
Tems’ victory represents the ongoing international acknowledgment of African music. Given the increasing global recognition of Afrobeats and African musicians, many predict that the trend will further intensify in the years to come.
