Nigeria made history at the 67th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night. The event not only honored musical achievements but also raised funds for wildfire victims in the city.
Nigerian singer Tems won the African Music Performance Award for her hit Love Me JeJe from her debut album Born in the Wild. This makes her the second artist to win the award, which was introduced last year. Tems called her win a “blessing” and acknowledged the rise of many talented African artists.
“I’m grateful for the recognition, but many young African artists will achieve even greater things,” she said. “African music is growing stronger every day.”
The African Music Performance Award debuted in 2023. South African artist Tyla was its first recipient. This year, Nigerian artists like Burna Boy and Asake also excelled in the category, showing the global reach of Afrobeats.
Tems reflected on the impact of her win, saying it was humbling to know she could inspire others. “It’s incredible to think someone is looking at me and believing they can achieve the same,” she said. “It gives me a sense of purpose.”
In another win for Africa, South African flautist Wouter Kellerman took home a Grammy in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category. He won with Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto and Indian vocalist Chandrika Tandon for their album Triveni.
The ceremony also had a charitable aspect. A choir of students from schools affected by the LA wildfires performed We Are the World, showing resilience in the face of disaster.
Trevor Noah, who hosted the event, announced that at least $7 million was raised during the live broadcast to support wildfire relief efforts. The 67th Grammy Awards proved that music can unite and support communities during difficult times.