In a groundbreaking achievement that has resonated far beyond the borders of Nigeria, rising global star Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, clinched the Best International Act award at the prestigious BET Awards. This win not only reflects her meteoric rise in the music industry but also marks a historic first—Tems is now the first female Nigerian artist to ever win in this highly competitive category.
Held in Los Angeles, California, the 2025 edition of the Black Entertainment Television (BET) Awards was a celebration of Black excellence in music, film, and culture. Tems’ moment of triumph was one of the night’s most talked-about highlights, underscoring the growing global influence of African artists—particularly women—on the international music scene.
The Road to Global Recognition
Tems’ journey has been nothing short of phenomenal. In just a few years, she has gone from uploading music independently on platforms like SoundCloud to collaborating with global megastars like Drake, Future, and Rihanna. Her distinct voice, genre-blending sound, and soulful lyricism have won her fans across continents.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Tems first gained major attention in 2019 with her breakout single “Try Me”. However, her collaboration with Wizkid on the chart-topping song “Essence” truly propelled her to international acclaim. The song earned massive airplay, charted globally, and even got a Grammy nomination after Justin Bieber joined the remix.
Since then, Tems has graced major global stages and music festivals, secured deals with top record labels, and received nominations and awards from several international organizations. But the BET Award for Best International Act represents a special kind of recognition—one that not only affirms her artistry but celebrates her identity as an African woman in global music.
A Win for African Women in Music
Tems’ BET win is not just a personal milestone—it’s a victory for African women in music, many of whom have struggled for decades to gain international recognition in a male-dominated industry. While several African male artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido have won or been nominated in past BET editions, Tems’ triumph breaks new ground.
Her win sends a powerful message to aspiring female artists across Africa: international success is possible, and the global stage is no longer out of reach. As Tems said in her acceptance speech, “This award is for every single woman who’s ever been told she can’t. This is for every Nigerian girl who dares to dream.”
The Growing Power of Afrobeats
Tems’ victory also highlights the unstoppable rise of Afrobeats, a genre rooted in West Africa but now embraced by global audiences. Over the past decade, African music has moved from niche playlists to mainstream charts, driven by the infectious rhythms, compelling visuals, and charismatic personalities of African artists.
From the Grammys to Billboard, and now at the BET Awards, Afrobeats has become one of the most influential cultural exports from the continent. Tems’ success is a reflection of this broader movement. While her sound blends elements of R&B, soul, and alternative music, her African identity remains central to her art.
As international platforms continue to spotlight African music, artists like Tems are serving as cultural ambassadors—bridging continents, building communities, and transforming perceptions of African creativity.
Nominated Among the Best in the World
The Best International Act category at the BET Awards features top-tier talent from all over the world. This year, Tems faced stiff competition from celebrated artists such as Stormzy (UK), Aya Nakamura (France), Tiakola (France), and Raye (UK). That she emerged victorious among such a distinguished lineup speaks volumes about her artistry and global appeal.
Her win follows a nomination in the same category the previous year, where she lost out to Burna Boy. This time, however, the spotlight was all hers.
Social Media Reactions and Fan Support
Following the announcement of her win, social media exploded with excitement. Fans, fellow artists, and public figures across Africa and beyond flooded platforms like Twitter and Instagram with messages of congratulations. Hashtags like #TemsBETWin, #TemsTheGOAT, and #AfrobeatsToTheWorld trended globally.
Nigerian music icon Tiwa Savage, herself a pioneer for women in Afrobeats, praised Tems, calling her win “well deserved and overdue.” Popular media personalities hailed the moment as one that would inspire an entire generation of African women.
Even political leaders joined in. The Nigerian Minister of Culture and Tourism tweeted: “Congratulations to Tems for making history at the BET Awards. You’ve made Nigeria proud and opened doors for many to follow.”
What’s Next for Tems?
With this new accolade, Tems’ career is poised to reach even greater heights. Industry insiders have hinted at upcoming collaborations with more global stars, and rumors suggest a new full-length album is in the works. If her recent EPs are anything to go by, fans can expect a body of work that continues to push creative boundaries.
In addition, Tems is set to embark on a world tour later this year, with stops in North America, Europe, and selected cities across Africa. This tour will further cement her reputation as one of the most important voices in global music today.
Breaking the Mold, One Song at a Time
Tems represents a new wave of African artistry—confident, experimental, and boundary-breaking. She refuses to be boxed into traditional genres or narratives. Whether she’s singing about love, vulnerability, or freedom, there is a raw honesty in her music that connects deeply with listeners.
She also champions authenticity over convention, often producing or co-writing her own songs and speaking openly about her journey, struggles, and creative process. In a music industry where many female artists are pressured to conform to industry stereotypes, Tems’ unfiltered individuality is refreshing and powerful.
A Moment That Will Be Remembered
The 2025 BET Awards will go down in history not just for Tems’ win, but for what it represents. It is a reminder that representation matters. That talent, when nurtured and unapologetically expressed, can rise above barriers of geography, gender, and race.
For young girls in Nigeria, in Africa, and across the world, Tems’ victory is a beacon of hope. It shows that the world is listening—and more importantly, it is ready to celebrate Black women, African voices, and bold new sounds.
