Actor Patrick Doyle has come to the defense of Grammy-winning singer Tems, following criticism of her victory in the Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards.
Tems clinched the award with her hit song ‘Love Me JeJe,’ beating out nominees like Yemi Alade’s ‘Tomorrow,’ Asake and Wizkid’s ‘MMS,’ Chris Brown and Davido’s ‘Sensational’ and Burna Boy’s ‘Higher.’
South Africa’s Tyla previously won this award for ‘Water’ in 2024, making it the category’s inaugural edition.
This latest victory makes Tems the first Nigerian artiste to win in the Best African Music Performance category, the first Nigerian female artiste to win the award and the most-awarded Nigerian in Grammy history.
However, her win has sparked mixed reactions on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Some critics questioned her merit, while others celebrated her achievement.
Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, took to social media to praise Nigerian youths, particularly those excelling in entertainment.
“I like therefore to extend my hearty congratulations to our Nigerian Afrobeats star, Tems, who just secured her second Grammy Award… I also rejoice with Nigeria’s entertainment industry and other Nigerian artists who were nominated… Nigeria remains home to the endless flow of talents who, through their creative arts, continue to put the nation on the global map,” Obi wrote.
Media personality Chinasa Anukam also lauded Tems’ success, calling it an inspiration to African women. “Tems’ success is just so personal to me. Because it’s so important that African women know (and see) that anything is possible for us,” she wrote.
Meanwhile, some critics expressed doubts about the award.
A user, Somatado, wrote, “That’s not deserving tbh, should have been Davido X Chris Brown’s ‘Sensational.’”
Another user, DeYork, commented, “I don’t understand. What does this girl do to deserve the award?”
A tweep named Clare compared her to Taylor Swift, saying, “She’s like the Taylor Swift of Nigeria, winning awards for what she clearly doesn’t deserve.” Others alleged that her appearance played a role in her win.
Patrick Doyle, in Tems’ defense, addressed critics in a Facebook post on Monday. He shared a photo of the singer, writing, “Shame on all the haters taking shots at Tems for winning the Grammy in place of their favoured candidates. The Grammy is not a Nigerian popularity poll. It is a peer review system that grants recognition for the creativity of exceptional talents universally. The fact is that the majority of musicians from around the world who are members of the Grammy Academy voted for Tems’ song. Simple and period.
“Shame on all the naysayers body shaming her out of spite and envy. Have these mindless draggers thought about the impact of their wicked vitriol on the poor girl’s mental health? On behalf of mentally well-adjusted Nigerians and Africans, I unreservedly congratulate Tems for winning a Grammy award.”
Tems received three nominations at this year’s Grammys, bringing her career total to eight.
She was also nominated for Best Global Music Album with her debut ‘Born in the Wild’ and Best R&B Song for ‘Burning.’ In 2023, she won Best Melodic Rap Performance alongside rapper Future for ‘Wait For You.’
