Renowned Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, has earned an impressive three nominations at the 2025 Grammy Awards, leading the pack of Nigerian artists this year.
Tems has been nominated for Best Global Music Album for her highly acclaimed debut studio album Born in the Wild, which has garnered praise for its fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and soul influences.
Additionally, she is nominated for Best Global Music Performance for her hit single Love Me Jeje, a song that showcases her signature vocal style and connects with fans globally. Tems is also recognized in the Best African Music Performance category, further solidifying her influence on the global music stage.
This nomination is a continuation of Tems’ successful journey in the music industry. She previously made history with her feature on Future’s Wait for U, which won a Grammy in 2023.
With these new nominations, Tems becomes one of the most prominent voices in Afrobeat music, marking another significant milestone in her career.
Other Nigerian artists who have found recognition at the Grammys include the legendary Sikiru Adepoju, who won a Grammy in 2009 for his contribution to Global Drum Project.
King Sunny Adé, who first received a Grammy nomination in 1983, remains a trailblazer in globalizing Nigerian music.
Afrobeat icon Burna Boy, who won his first Grammy in 2021 for his album Twice as Tall, has consistently gained international acclaim for his fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall, and pop.
Wizkid, known as “Starboy” to his loyal fanbase, won a Grammy in 2021 for Best Music Video with his collaboration with Beyoncé on Brown Skin Girl.
These artists continue to pave the way for Nigerian and African music to take center stage in the global music industry.
Meanwhile, Davido, another Nigerian music giant, has also made waves at the 2025 Grammy Awards with three nominations.
He is nominated for Best Global Music Album for Timeless, his highly anticipated album that explores themes of resilience and cultural pride.
Davido’s track Unavailable, featuring Musa Keys, is up for Best African Music Performance, while Feel is nominated for Best Global Music Performance.
These nominations highlight Davido’s versatility and his ability to captivate audiences both in Africa and internationally.
Notably, Nigerian artists have not only earned Grammy recognition but have also gained significant accolades at other prestigious international awards.
Burna Boy, a multiple BET Award winner, continues to dominate global music charts, while Wizkid’s success includes MTV Europe Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
Davido’s global influence has been underscored by his multiple awards, including two BET Awards for Best International Act: Africa, and his two MTV Europe Music Awards for Best African Act.
In addition to their Grammy recognition, Nigerian artists have also been instrumental in promoting African culture and music on the world stage.
The rise of Afrobeat as a dominant genre is a testament to the hard work and global appeal of these Nigerian artists, who continue to push boundaries and redefine the global music landscape.
As the 2025 Grammy Awards approaches, these Nigerian stars are poised to make history once again, and their continued success serves as a beacon of pride for African music.
