Grammy: Tems expresses gratitude to Seyi Sodimu after blacklash

Nigerian singer Tems has taken to social media to shower praise on music veteran, Seyi Sodimu, following her victory at the 67th Grammy Award in Los Angeles.
Tems, who won the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance, credited Sodimu for his role in clearing his classic hit song “Love Me Jeje”, which was sampled in her award-winning track.

The two-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter had faced a backlash for her acceptance speech at the Grammy on Sunday. The backlash came from an error of omission where Tems failed to mention and acknowledge Sodimu and Shafi Bello, the original singers of the song “Love Me Jeje.” Instead, Tems thanked her team including her stylist during the acceptance speech.

But in a heartfelt message, posted on her social media, Tems thanked Sodimu for his support and for allowing his timeless classic to be reimagined.

“I just want to thank the wonderful Seyi Music(Seyi Sodimu) for his role in the support and clearing of his OG song Love me jeje. It’s brought the original song back to life for me and I’m glad that it’s getting it’s flowers today. A timeless classic. I appreciate you so much. Thank you for your love and support,” Tems wrote on X.

“Love Me, Jeje” was initially released in 1997 by Sodimu, and 28 years after it birthed a Grammy award.

Tems’ win marked a historic moment for African music, and her acknowledgment of Seyi Sodimu’s contribution highlights the importance of collaboration and respect for musical heritage.