Nothing succeeds like success.
Tems real name Temilade Openiyi is now a bonafide world-class musical artiste following her second win at the Grammys.
Tems won for her song, “Love Me Jeje” off her debut album Born in the Wild I and in doing so beat off stiff competition from fellow compatriots – Burna Boy – “Higher”, Asake and Wizkid – “MMS” and Yemi Alade “Tomorrow”. Chris Brown’s “Sensational”, featuring Davido and Lojay was also in contention.
Her winning song is a remake of Seye Sodimu’s classic song which famously featured and introduced the world to Nollywood actress, Shaffy Bello, who played his love interest in the video of the song.
While the internet is bugging out following Tems’ failure to mention Sodinmu in her acceptance speech at the Grammys, we present excerpts of TLR’s reviews of the album and our thoughts on the song:
According to Michael Kolawole – “Love Me Jẹjẹ,” a reimagining of Seyi Sodimu’s 90s Afrosoul classic, and “Me & U”, are heartfelt odes to unconditional love. Tems is bold and assertive in these songs. The joy in her voice is palpable as she demands wholehearted love from her man. “I need your lovin’, so fresh, so clean / Love me in and out, unfailingly,” Tems sings on “Love Me Jẹjẹ”, portraying a desire for pure, steadfast affection. In “Me & U”, she focuses on the introspective and personal narrative of love, longing for mutual exclusivity and connection. “All I want, only me and you,” she chants repeatedly on the song’s bridge.”
For Precious Nzeakor – On the surface, all the songs seem to sound alike, with the same tempo and style. It could count as a reason to question the usually skilled and versatile Tems. However, with deeper consideration, one discovers all the exciting elements within. There are reggae bits, references to beloved classics that evoke nostalgia, exciting features and much more.
“Love Me Jeje” sounds so much like Tems, like something she would do. It’s such a lovely, soft, and playful song about loving lightly and gently. Hearing the backstory of how the song came about makes it even more endearing. It’s inspired by Seyi Sodimu’s classic song “Love me jeje, Love me Tender” which many oldies will remember. Sodimu who expressed delight at the honour, has a cameo in the music video.
Tems and Drake won a Grammy in 2023 with “Wait for U”.
