Grammy Award-winning Nigerian artist, Tems, has expressed heartfelt gratitude to renowned songwriter Seyi Sodimu, thanking him for playing a key role in the revival of his classic hit “Love Me JeJe.” This comes in the wake of Tems’ historic win at the 67th Grammy Awards, where she clinched the prestigious Best African Music Performance award.
In an emotional post shared with her fans on social media platform X, Tems acknowledged Sodimu’s support in clearing the rights to the song, which has since gained renewed popularity. The classic, initially released in the early 2000s, was given a fresh lease on life through Tems’ widely acclaimed rendition, contributing significantly to the global appreciation of Nigerian music.
“Thank you to the amazing #seyimusic for your incredible role in supporting and clearing your original song, ‘Love Me JeJe,’” Tems wrote, sharing her appreciation. “It’s brought the original song back to life for me, and I’m thrilled to see it receiving the recognition it truly deserves. A timeless classic,” she continued.
For Tems, the Grammy victory was not just personal but symbolic of the wider international recognition of African music. Her win at the 67th Grammy Awards, which saw her beat a powerful group of Nigerian musical giants such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Yemi Alade, Asake, and Davido, was a monumental moment for the Nigerian music scene.
Her tribute to Seyi Sodimu highlights the ongoing evolution and global reach of Nigerian music, where older hits from the past continue to make waves, thanks to new artists breathing fresh life into them. “Love Me JeJe,” originally released by Seyi Sodimu in 2000, is now enjoying a second coming, propelled by Tems’ reinterpretation.
For Seyi Sodimu, the gesture is a reflection of his generous spirit. Known for his deep connection to the African music community, the 2000s hitmaker has always been a proponent of supporting younger talent and fostering collaboration across generations. Sodimu, who has seen his own influence rekindled through Tems’ cover, has remained humble and appreciative of the growing legacy of the track.
“It’s great to see the young artists carrying our music forward,” Sodimu remarked in a brief interview. “Tems has done something beautiful with the song, and I’m happy it has reached a new audience. The fact that it has contributed to her Grammy win makes it all the more special.”
Tems’ gesture of gratitude comes as part of a larger movement within the Nigerian music industry, where collaboration, acknowledgment of past influences, and fostering talent have become key driving forces in its meteoric rise. From Burna Boy’s continued success on the global stage to the proliferation of Afrobeats in mainstream music charts, Nigeria’s music scene is flourishing, with classic tracks being revisited, reimagined, and appreciated by new generations.
“Love Me JeJe,” known for its soulful melody and infectious rhythm, has once again entered the spotlight, bridging the gap between different eras of Nigerian music. Through Tems’ reimagining of the track, the song has found new life in a modern context, drawing attention from international fans who may not have been familiar with its original form.
In her social media post, Tems emphasized that this revival of the song is not just about the music, but also the deep sense of community and mutual support within the Nigerian music industry. She thanked Sodimu for his love and continued support, underlining the importance of giving credit where it’s due.
The Grammy-winning artist’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among African artists that collaboration, respect for one another’s contributions, and recognition of the legacy of past musicians are key to maintaining the momentum of the global rise of African music.
“I appreciate you so much. Thank you for your love and support,” Tems concluded her message, solidifying the sense of gratitude and respect that has marked her rise to international stardom.
With Tems’ win and her recognition of Seyi Sodimu’s contribution, the Nigerian music industry continues to stand at the crossroads of history and modernity, combining past influences with contemporary sounds to create music that resonates with audiences worldwide.
As the Afrobeats wave shows no signs of slowing down, it is clear that the future of Nigerian music will continue to be shaped by both the legends of the past and the stars of today, with collaborations and mutual respect playing a vital role in this ever-evolving cultural phenomenon.
Background:
Tems’ Grammy victory was a significant milestone for Nigerian music, reinforcing the genre’s place on the global stage. At the 67th Grammy Awards, Tems’ performance of her hit “Free Mind” earned her the Best African Music Performance award, a category in which she competed against other Nigerian artists, including Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Yemi Alade. The win has been widely celebrated as a symbol of the increasing global appreciation for African music, particularly the Afrobeats genre.
