Singer Tems has shared how close she is with her mother Mrs. Openiyi, after winning the Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards.
The 29-year-old clinched the award on Sunday with her song ‘Love Me JeJe,’ beating Yemi Alade’s ‘Tomorrow,’ Asake and Wizkid’s ‘MMS,’ Chris Brown, Davido, and Lojay’s ‘Sensational’ and Burna Boy’s ‘Higher.’
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Monday, Tems spoke about her excitement, revealing that her mother was present at the event. “It’s everything, honestly. It’s been a dream. My mom’s around, she’s back there somewhere,” she said.
Mrs. Openiyi, overwhelmed with emotion, described the moment as surreal. When the interviewer asked if there was nothing more fulfilling than watching one’s child win, she responded, “Yes, totally right. I am so happy, I don’t even know what to do now.”
Asked about her reaction when Tems’ name was announced, she said, “Oh, it’s out of this world. It’s too real. Really.”
When asked who would keep the Grammy, Tems highlighted her close bond with her mother, saying, “I do, but what I have is hers, so we share it. We share everything I have.”
Expressing gratitude, Tems said, “I’m grateful to God. I’m really just thankful. I think it’s a blessing. I am extremely blessed and favoured, and I just want to give that out in any way that I can.”
Tems dedicated the award to her mother in her acceptance speech, coinciding with the latter’s birthday.
“Wow, dear God, thank you so much for putting me on this stage and bringing me this team,” she said.
“Tomorrow is my mum’s birthday, and this is her first Grammy. I just want to thank you, ma, because she has really done a lot for me and my brother. Happy birthday, mum.”
This is Tems’ second Grammy win. The Best African Music Performance category was introduced in 2024, with South African singer Tyla winning the first award for her hit ‘Water.’
Tems was nominated in three categories at the 67th Grammys, bringing her career total to eight. She was also nominated for Best Global Music Album (Born in the Wild) and Best R&B Song (‘Burning’).
She won her first Grammy in 2023 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for her contribution to ‘Wait for U’ with Future and Drake.
The 67th Grammy Awards took place on Sunday at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
