Grammy: Omokri debunk claims that Tems is first Nigerian female to win

Former presidential aide Reno Omokri addressed Nigerians, describing Temilade Openiyi, also known as Tems, as the first female Nigerian singer to win a Grammy award.

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, took home the award for “Best Melodic Rap Performance,” as previously reported by ENTERTAINMENT REPORTERNG.

Tems won the prize for her part in Drake and Future’s smash hit song “Wait for U” from 2022.

Claims that Nigerian-British singer Sade Adu never identified as Nigerian in a social media post were refuted by Reno Omokri.

Since Sade was the first female Nigerian singer to win a Grammy in 1986, he claimed that she shouldn’t be disgraced while Tems was being honoured.

Reno claims that Sade has been promoting Nigeria for 40 years, so attributing her to Tems would be inaccurate.

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.