Another Major Milestone for the Nigerian Superstar
Nigerian singer and global superstar Tems is about to add another major achievement to her growing list of accolades. Her hit song “Love Me Jeje” has officially sold over 500,000 units in the United States, making it eligible for a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
This exciting news comes just three months after she earned four new RIAA certifications, further cementing her place as one of the most successful Nigerian artists in international music. “Love Me Jeje” is one of Tems’ biggest hits, and it recently won her a Grammy Award for Best African Song Performance at the 67th Grammy Awards.
Tems’ success isn’t just limited to music charts—she’s also a fashion and cultural icon. She made a stunning appearance at the 2025 MET Gala, where she spoke about the diversity of African music. In an interview, she explained that while Afrobeats is the most well-known African genre globally, there are many other styles waiting to be discovered.
Tems’ Dominance in the U.S. Music Scene
Tems has become a household name in America, thanks to her collaborations with some of the biggest artists in the world. She has worked with Beyoncé, Drake, Future, and J. Cole, who appeared on her debut album, “Born In The Wild.” Earlier this year, she even performed with J. Cole at the Dreamville Festival, further proving her star power.
Her success has also been recognized at major award shows. She recently won Record of the Year at the 17th Headies Awards and was nominated for an American Music Award (AMA).
Tems’ Award-Winning Journey
Tems’ remarkable journey through some of the world’s most prestigious music awards showcases her incredible growth as an artist. From early recognition in Nigeria to global acclaim, her career has been marked by groundbreaking achievements.
Headies Awards: A Story of Growth
Tems’ evolution at the Headies Awards—Nigeria’s most prestigious music honors—reflects her rise from an emerging talent to a dominant force in the industry. In 2020, she earned a nomination in the “Next Rated” category, which highlights promising up-and-coming artists. By 2025, she had ascended to winning “Best Recording of the Year” for her soulful track “Burning” from her debut album, “Born in the Wild.”
Beyond her victory, Tems received multiple nominations that year, including Best R&B Single (“Burning”), Digital Artiste of the Year, Album of the Year (“Born in the Wild”), and Headies’ Viewers’ Choice (“Love Me Jeje”). These nominations highlight her versatility, proving she excels across different genres and resonates deeply with fans.
American Music Awards (AMAs) Recognition
Tems’ impact extends far beyond Africa, as seen in her success at the American Music Awards (AMAs). In 2022, she won “Favorite Hip-Hop Song” for her collaboration with Future and Drake on “Wait For U.” That same year, she earned nominations for Favorite Afrobeats Artist, Collaboration of the Year (“Wait For U”), and Favorite R&B Song (“Essence” with Wizkid).
Her momentum continued into 2025, when she secured another nomination for Favorite Afrobeats Artist, competing against heavyweights like Wizkid, Rema, Asake, and Tyla. This consistent recognition at the AMAs underscores her growing influence in the global music scene.
Grammy Awards: Making History
Tems’ Grammy Awards journey is nothing short of historic. In 2023, she won her first Grammy for “Best Melodic Rap Performance” as a featured artist on Future and Drake’s “Wait For U.”
But her biggest milestone came at the 2025 Grammys, where she made history by winning the inaugural “Best African Music Performance” award for “Love Me Jeje.” She also received nominations for “Best R&B Song” (“Burning”) and “Best Global Music Album” (“Born in the Wild”), bringing her total career Grammy nominations to an impressive eight.
With this win, Tems became the first Nigerian artist to win multiple Grammys, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer. In her emotional acceptance speech, she dedicated the award to her mother, expressing deep gratitude for the unwavering support that has fueled her success.
Tems’ award-winning journey is a testament to her talent, hard work, and the global rise of African music. Each accolade not only elevates her career but also paves the way for future Nigerian and African artists to dream bigger.
How Tems’ Success Impacts Afrobeats and Nigerian Music
Tems’ achievements are not just personal wins—they also help elevate Nigerian music globally. Here’s how:
1. Proving Afrobeats is a Global Force
Her RIAA Gold certification for “Love Me Jeje” shows that Nigerian music is not just popular—it’s commercially successful in the world’s biggest music market. This opens doors for other Nigerian artists to aim for similar success.
2. Inspiring the Next Generation of Artists
Tems’ journey from a rising star to a Grammy winner inspires young Nigerian musicians to dream big. Her success proves that with talent and hard work, global recognition is possible.
3. Expanding the Sound of African Music
While Afrobeats is Nigeria’s biggest export, Tems has always emphasized that African music is more than just Afrobeats. Her music blends R&B, soul, and alternative sounds, showing the world the diversity of African creativity.
4. Boosting Nigeria’s Cultural Influence
Every time Tems wins an award or performs on a global stage, she puts Nigerian culture in the spotlight. Her success strengthens Nigeria’s soft power—the ability to influence the world through art and entertainment.
What’s Next for Tems?
With her upcoming AMA nomination and the continued success of “Born in the Wild,” Tems shows no signs of slowing down. Fans can expect more music, collaborations, and possibly even more awards in the future.
One thing is clear: Tems is not just a star—she’s a trailblazer reshaping the global music scene. Her journey is proof that Nigerian artists can dominate on the world stage, and the best is yet to come.
Final Words
Tems’ story is one of talent, persistence, and breaking barriers. From Lagos to Los Angeles, she has taken Nigerian music to new heights—and she’s just getting started. We at Trickle Media raise our glass to her spending more years in the limelight!
