Tems Is Not Just the Next Big Thing—She Is The Big Thing

By Nurudeen Adebayo

In just five years, Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has defied expectations, shattered records, and cemented her status as one of Africa’s most influential musical exports.

With her recent win at the 67th Grammy Awards for Love Me Jeje in the Best African Music Performance category, Tems has proven that she is more than just a moment—she is a movement.

The win, which marks her second Grammy, further solidifies her place as a global force. In a category dominated by Nigerian artists—including Burna Boy, Asake, Wizkid, Davido, and Yemi Alade—Tems emerged victorious, becoming the only African winner at this year’s Grammy Awards.

Her success, however, is not just about the awards—it’s about the story of a woman who carved her own path in an industry where few saw her coming.

Tems’ journey to greatness seems almost predestined.

A resurfaced voice note from her mother, which appeared as an interlude on one of her early projects, revealed how she was named Temilade after God told her mother during pregnancy that she was a special child.

Reflecting on her meteoric rise, Pan-African said, “I remember listening to Tems’ mum’s voice note in 2020 as an interlude in one of Tems’ albums, and how she said God told her in pregnancy that Tems was going to be a girl, should be named Temilade, and she’s a special baby. Just watching it manifest in these five years has been powerful.”

Indeed, what seemed like a mother’s intuition has now become a reality as Tems continues to break barriers on the world stage.

Winning her second Grammy is not just another accolade for Tems; it is a defining moment that signals a new era in Nigerian music.

While artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido have paved the way, Tems is creating a lane entirely of her own—one where alternative R&B, soul, and Afro-fusion coexist seamlessly.

Her recent win at the Grammys was accompanied by an emotional speech, where she thanked God, her team, and, most importantly, her mother.

“Wow, dear God. Thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team.”

“Tomorrow is my mum’s birthday, and this is her first Grammys. I just want to thank you, ma, because she has really done a lot for me and my brother.”

“Happy birthday, mum. And I want to thank my team. Muyiwa, Wale, my beautiful stylist, and lovely girls… I love you guys. Thank you so much. To God be the glory. Honestly, He has changed my life so much.”

Tems’ impact has not gone unnoticed. From industry analysts to fellow artists, many have acknowledged that her success was never predicted by the so-called experts.

Sultan, a prominent industry observer, remarked, “One thing I like about Tems’ success is that no music exec or commentator can claim that they predicted her rise. She defied their logic.

“Another reason why I don’t really rate all these music talkatives that have never recorded a song in their whole life.”

Meanwhile, social media personality and influencer Eni Adeoluwa celebrated her win, saying, “Congratulations to the beautiful @temsbaby on such an incredible win! A talent, a trailblazer, and an inspiration to us all. You remind us that we can achieve greatness when we believe in ourselves. Keep shining, Tems! The world is yours. We are all always rooting for you! “

With two Grammys, four BET Awards, two AMAs, and countless other accolades in just five years, the question on everyone’s mind is: What’s next?

The Best African Music Performance category, which Tems won this year, was only introduced last year, with South African star Tyla winning the inaugural award for her hit Water.

This year, Tems took the trophy, proving that she remains at the forefront of African music’s global expansion.

Tems has made it clear that she is not just here to participate in the industry—she is here to shape it. With her unique sound, global appeal, and unwavering authenticity, she is poised to become the next global superstar out of Nigeria.

Her upcoming projects, rumored collaborations, and evolving sound all point to one thing: Tems is the future of Nigerian music. And if history is any indication, she will continue to do it on her own terms.

As the world watches, one thing is certain—Tems is not just the next big thing. She is the big thing.