At the 2022 BET Awards, Temilade Openiyi, better known by her stage name Tems, won Best International Act.
She beats a long list of other talents , including Dave, Little Simz, Dave (U.K.), Dinos (France), Fally Ipupa (the Democratic Republic of the Congo), Fireboy Dml (Nigeria), Little Simz (U.K.), Ludmilla (Brazil), Major League Djz (South Africa), Tayc (France) to win the award.
The talented songstress dedicated the award to every single woman who may not believe they could chase their dreams. “Where I’m from in Lagos, this is a dream, as you’re watching me, imagine yourself as me, you are meant to be here, too,” Tems said.
Despite the impression that her journey to fame occurred overnight, the Lagos native began singing when she was about 13 years old and producing when she was 20. Her first song, “Mr. Rebel,” which she produced herself and published in 2018, will be remembered by those who have followed her from the beginning.
Watch Tems acceptance speech below
