Temilade Openiyi, often known as Tems, is a prominent Nigerian musician who has been criticized for being the country’s first female artist to win a Grammy prize by former presidential advisor Reno Omokri.
The “Free mind” singer, who was nominated for “Best Melodic Rap Performance” and “Best Rap Song” at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night, won that category.
Tems won the prize for her part on Future and Drake’s popular 2022 song “Wait for U.”
Reno Omokri refuted allegations that Nigerian-British singer Sade Adu never identified herself as a Nigerian in a tweet that was circulated on social media.
He said that since Sade was the first female Nigerian musician to win a Grammy in 1986, she shouldn’t be denigrated while Tems is celebrated.
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He wrote: Sade Adu has always identified with Nigeria. When interviewed, she stressed her Nigerianness. She did not funkify her name to make it sound European.
In interview after interview, she asserted the fact that she is a Nigerian born in Ibadan. So, let us appreciate her. She is the first Nigerian female to win a Grammy in 1986. In honouring another female who eminently deserves to be honoured, let us not dishonour Sade Adu.
By saying someone else is the first Nigerian female to win a Grammy, what we are telling Ms. Adu is that she is not a Nigerian. I know many people will rush here to insult me. But before commenting, take a minute to put yourself in Sade Adu’s shoes.
You have spent 40 years promoting Nigeria. Insisting to the British media that you are Nigerian when they proudly claimed you for Britain. Then today, you read that someone else is the first Nigerian female to win a Grammy. How would you feel? If after you have put yourself in Sade Adu’s shoes you still feel the need to insult me, then please go ahead.
