Nigerian Afrobeats singer and producer Asha Gangali has praised Tems for her Grammy win, describing her as a “modern-day Sade Adu.” Tems won the award for Best African Music Performance at the 67th Grammy Awards with her song Love Me Jeje, which samples Seyi Sodimu’s classic hit. Gangali emphasized that her victory in a category featuring Afrobeats heavyweights like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido has reshaped the genre’s hierarchy.
According to Gangali, Tems’ success demonstrates her ability to penetrate the North American market while maintaining her unique sound. He also highlighted the significance of sampling in the music industry, noting that while it is common in hip-hop, it is relatively new to Afrobeats. He believes Tems’ approach will revive forgotten classics from the 1990s and 2000s, benefiting the industry creatively and economically.
Seyi Sodimu, whose song Love Me Jeje was initially rejected in Los Angeles for being “too African,” has now seen it gain international recognition through Tems’ adaptation. Gangali credited her and her producer for recognizing the song’s potential, further proving her musical genius. He expressed optimism that her win will open more doors for female Afrobeats artists on the global stage.