Popular Nigerian popstar and singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has won the Best International Act at the 2022 BET Awards.
She also made history as the first Nigerian and African female musician to win the Best International Act at the BET Awards.
She ousted UK singers Little Simz and Dave to win the BET Award for Best International Act.
It’s an honour. I mean, this is the first award show that I’m winning. I want to use this as an opportunity to speak to every single young, old, whatever, every single woman watching this, every single girl watching this at home where I’m from, things like this don’t happen.
Tems said while receiving the award
Tems’ win comes two weeks after she was diagnosed with Reflux Laryngitis.
Wizkid also made history when ‘Essence’ featuring Tems and Justin Bieber was announced as the best collaboration.
However, Wizkid lost the ‘Best male R&B/Pop Artist’ category to The Weeknd.
The 2022 BET awards was held on Sunday at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
The 26-year-old Lagos State-born singer defeated Lil Baby, Lil Durk, DJ Khaled, Nicki Minaj and BIA to win the BET Award for Best Collaboration.
The show was hosted by famous Hollywood actress Taraji Henson and featured performances from Roddy Rich, Fireboy DML, Jack Harlow, Babyface, Chance the Rapper, GIVĒON, ahlöe, and Joey Bada$$, amongst others.
Tems also appeared on Drake’s ‘Certified Lover Boy album, proving her status as one of Nigeria’s biggest international exports.
Following her win at the 2022 BET awards, Tems joins Ice Prince, Wizkid, Davido, 2baba and Burna Boy as Nigerians who have won BET Awards in the past.
2face Idibia won a BET award for best African artiste in 2011.
D’banj was presented with a BET award for best African artiste in 2011.
Ice Prince was surprised when BET award organizers mentioned his name as the winner of 2013 best African artiste award.
Davido is the first Nigerian artiste that has won a BET award for best international artiste, he won the award in 2018. Before winning a BET award for best international artiste, Davido won a BET award for best African artiste in 2014.
Burna Boy has won three BET awards for best international artiste in the last three years.
