The 67th Grammy Awards brought yet another moment of pride for Nigeria as Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, clinched her second Grammy. She emerged victorious in the Best African Music Performance category, surpassing industry heavyweights like Davido, Burna Boy, and Asake.
Her win solidifies her growing influence in the global music industry and reaffirms Nigeria’s dominance on the world stage. With this milestone, Tems becomes the first Nigerian female artiste to have two Grammys and joins an elite list of Nigerian artists who have etched their names in Grammy history.
Nigerian Artists Who Have Won a Grammy
Nigeria has a rich musical heritage, and over the years, several artists have brought home the prestigious Grammy Award. Here’s a look at those who have achieved this remarkable feat:
1. Sade Adu
Though often associated with the UK, Sade Adu was born in Ibadan, Nigeria. She won her first Grammy in 1986 for Best New Artist and has since received multiple Grammy Awards, cementing her legacy as a global music icon. Sade has won four Grammy Awards and been nominated for eight. She was the first Nigerian-born singer to win a Grammy and the only one to win Best New Artist.
2. Burna Boy
Afrofusion superstar Burna Boy made history in 2021 when his album Twice as Tall won the Best Global Music Album category. His win was a testament to the global appeal of Nigerian music and his consistent effort in pushing Afrobeats to the world stage.
3. Wizkid
In 2021, Wizkid added a Grammy to his collection by winning Best Music Video for Brown Skin Girl, a collaboration with Beyoncé, Saint Jhn, and Blue Ivy Carter. This recognition further solidified his international status and impact.
You Can Also Read: MusicUntamed x GMA 2025 Celebrates “The Unsung Heroes”
4. Tems
Before her 2025 win, Tems had already secured her first Grammy in 2023 for her contribution to Future’s Wait for U in the Best Melodic Rap Performance category. Her recent win in the Best African Music Performance category makes her one of Nigeria’s most awarded female artists at the Grammys.
5. Sikiru Adepoju
A lesser-known but equally significant Grammy winner, Sikiru Adepoju is a Nigerian percussionist who won in 2009 for Best Contemporary World Music Album as part of Mickey Hart’s Global Drum Project.
6. Babatunde Olatunji
Babatunde Olatunji, a pioneer in world music, won a Grammy in 1991 for Best World Music Album with Planet Drum, an album created in collaboration with drummer Mickey Hart.
The Future of Nigerian Music at the Grammys
With Afrobeats and African music continuing to gain global traction, the future looks bright for Nigerian artists on the Grammy stage. As stars like Rema, Asake, and Ayra Starr rise, it’s only a matter of time before they join the ranks of Grammy winners. Tems’ second win serves as motivation for both emerging and established artists to keep pushing the boundaries of African music.
Nigeria’s presence at the Grammys is no longer a surprise—it is an expectation. The journey from local stages to global recognition is proof of the undeniable talent within the country’s music industry. As fans celebrate Tems’ latest win, they also look forward to seeing more Nigerian artists take home the golden gramophone in the coming years.
