Her influential contributions to tracks like Wizkid's 'Essence' and the historic success of her hit single 'Love Me Jeje' underscore her pivotal role in elevating African artistry on the global stage. Here, we delve into seven major milestones that define her illustrious career, which continues to reach unprecedented heights.
Grammy Triumphs: A Pioneer in African Music Excellence
Tems boasts an impressive two Grammy Awards, a testament to her exceptional talent and impact. Her first win came for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her captivating contribution to Future's track 'Wait For U,' which also featured Drake. This early recognition set the stage for further accolades.
Most recently, at the 67th Grammy Awards, Tems etched her name in history by becoming the first Nigerian to win the prize for Best African Music Performance for her chart-topping single, 'Love Me Jeje.' This achievement not only highlights her individual success but also signifies a growing global appreciation for African music.
Demonstrating her undeniable commercial appeal and mainstream success, Tems holds the distinct record of being the first and only Nigerian artist to debut at the summit of the Billboard Hot 100. This monumental feat was achieved through her feature on Future's 'Wait For U,' which soared straight to the No. 1 spot upon its release. This accomplishment cemented her status as a formidable force in the global music industry.
BET Awards: Breaking Barriers and Setting Records
The 2022 BET Awards proved to be a historic night for Tems. She made history by becoming the first African female artist to win the BET Award for Best International Act. Furthermore, she also secured the award for Best Collaboration alongside Wizkid for their global hit 'Essence.' This dual victory was significant, as it marked the first time Nigerian artists won in categories beyond the International categories. In a remarkable display of her widespread appeal, Tems became the first and only Nigerian artist to win two BET Awards in a single night.
RIAA Certifications: A Reflection of Commercial Success
Tems' commercial prowess in the United States is undeniably reflected in her multiple RIAA certifications. Her immensely popular single 'Free Mind' has been certified 2x Platinum, signifying over two million units sold. Her track 'Higher' has achieved Platinum certification, while her songs 'Me & U,' 'Found' featuring Brent Faiyaz, and her Grammy-winning 'Love Me Jeje' have all earned RIAA Gold certifications. These certifications underscore her widespread popularity and enduring impact on the American music market.
Tems' influence extends beyond traditional music awards and charts. In 2023, she received a prestigious Oscar nomination for Best Original Song for her significant role in co-writing 'Lift Me Up.' This powerful anthem, performed by Rihanna, served as the lead soundtrack for the Marvel film 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,' showcasing Tems' versatility and reach across different creative industries.
Looking ahead, Tems is set to join an elite group of artists who have graced the stages of major international sporting events. She has been announced alongside Latino music star J Balvin and rapper Doja Cat as headliners for the FIFA Club World Cup Halftime Show in the United States, further cementing her status as a global entertainment icon.
Among her many accolades, Tems has also been recognized at Nigeria's premier music awards, The Headies. She was honored with the coveted Record of the Year Prize for her captivating song 'Burning' at the 17th Headies Awards, further cementing her standing within her home country's vibrant music scene.
As Tems continues her journey, these milestones are not just individual achievements but symbols of the growing influence of African music on the world stage, with Tems at the forefront of this exciting cultural shift.