Tems’ recent Grammy win has sparked both celebration and controversy, as fans and critics react to her acceptance speech at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Winning her second Grammy for Best African Music Performance with her song Love Me Jeje, Tems once again solidified her place as one of the most successful Nigerian artists on the global stage. However, her speech has drawn criticism for failing to acknowledge Seyi Sodimu and Shafi Bello, the original creators of the song Love Me Jeje, which she sampled in her version.
While many fans have congratulated her on this milestone, others believe the omission was a major oversight. A social media user, @bros_aik, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his disappointment, stating that it was a “major faux pas” for Tems not to mention Seyi Sodimu, who originally released the song in 1997. He also pointed out that her team made a mistake by not ensuring that proper credit was given during the speech.
Tems has not yet responded to the backlash, and Seyi Sodimu has also remained silent on the issue. While it is possible that Tems intended no disrespect, fans and music critics are debating whether artists should be more intentional about acknowledging original creators, especially when their work contributes to a Grammy-winning song.
This win marks Tems’ second Grammy, following her 2023 victory in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category for her feature on Future’s song Wait For You. She was one of the most nominated Nigerian artists at this year’s Grammys, receiving three nominations in total—Best African Music Performance (Love Me Jeje), Best Global Music Album (Born in the Wild), and Best R&B Song (Burning).
Her success at the Grammys is a huge boost for female artists in Nigeria, many of whom have struggled for recognition in a male-dominated industry. Tems is breaking barriers, opening doors for future female artists who have faced challenges like sexual harassment and industry bias. Her win serves as proof that Nigerian women can thrive on the international stage, and her journey continues to inspire upcoming artists.
Despite the criticism surrounding her speech, there is no doubt that Tems’ achievements deserve to be celebrated. As the conversation unfolds, many will be watching to see if she addresses the issue or if Seyi Sodimu himself will speak out. Either way, her Grammy win remains a significant moment for African music and a testament to her growing legacy.
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