Seyi Sodimu is a Nigerian singer and songwriter, best known for his 1997 hit single ‘Love Me Jeje,’ which has recently gained renewed attention due to its interpolation in Tems’ Grammy-winning song of the same name.
Seyi was born into a large family in Lagos Island and hails from Abeokuta, Ogun State. He attended The Fountain School Surulere for his elementary education and Igbobi College, Yaba, for his secondary education. In the late 1980s, he moved to the United States to pursue higher education at Prince George’s Community College in Maryland, where he earned an associate degree in computer information systems.
He emerged in the Nigerian music scene during the late 1990s, contributing significantly to the hip-hop genre in Nigeria. His original version of ‘Love Me Jeje’ features vocals by actress Shaffy Bello and is characterised by its blend of hip-hop and traditional Nigerian musical elements. The song has been recognized as a classic, often celebrated for its catchy melody and romantic lyrics.
In 2024, Tems released her version of ‘Love Me Jeje,’ which was produced by GuiltyBeatz and Spax. This contemporary rendition reimagines Sodimu’s original track within an Afrobeats context, showcasing Tems’ unique style while honouring the classic.
The song was performed live at Coachella 2024 before its official release, and it quickly garnered acclaim, leading to a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
Seyi Sodimu’s influence on the modern Afrobeats scene is evident as Tems’ adaptation introduces his timeless work to a new generation of listeners, bridging the gap between different musical eras in Nigeria.
Speaking with DJ Abass during the Grammy weekend in Los Angeles in the year 2004, Seyi revealed that ‘Love Me Jeje’ was rejected by major labels in America because he sounded “African”.
