- The global music award, Grammys, held in Los Angeles on February 2 to much spectacle and sizzle
- The event saw Nigerian singer Tems win the Best African Music Performance category, making history as a result
- Following Tems’ latest gramophone success, TheRadar compiled a list of Nigerians who have won the Grammy Awards since its inception
The ‘Nigerian’ effect—an unmistakable presence that captivates attention—has consistently made its mark, resonating even on the world’s biggest stages.
This echoes through its art forms and performances, particularly its music industry. It leaves an impression wherever it manifests including the coveted Grammy Awards.
Tems’ recent feat at the 2025 Grammys Award shows how Nigerian music continues to make waves on the global stage.
Following her win, TheRadar curated a list of Nigerians who have ever won the coveted Grammys Awards since its inception.
9 Nigerians who have won Grammy Awards
- Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi — 2022, 2025
Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi known as Tems is the latest Nigerian singer to win the Grammy Awards for the second time. Tems had made history in 2023 when she won Best Melodic Rap Performance for her verse on Drake’s hit Wait For U.
As an Afrobeats female singer, Tems made yet another milestone in 2025. She recently won the competitive Best African Music Performance category with her song Love Me Jeje. Tems win is a historic one that makes her the first Nigerian female artiste to win the category.
- Helen ‘Sade Adu’ Folashade - 1986, 1993, 2001, 2010
Born Helen Folasade Adu, the Nigerian-British singer popularly known as Sade Adu is reportedly considered to be the first Nigerian to win a Grammy Award.
Sade Adu is famous for her soulful sound which has bagged her a total of four Grammy Awards.
Notably, In 1986, she won Best New Artiste. She was also recognised in the Best R&B Performance category with her hits No Ordinary Love and Soldier of Love.
- Henry ‘Seal’ Adeola — 1996, 2010
In 1996, Nigerian British singer Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel known as Seal was recognised in the global music industry. Seal has four Grammy Awards to his name.
His 1996 classic Kiss From a Rose got him three Awards in one night including the competitive Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance categories. He has been nominated 15 times so far.
- Sikiru Adepoju - 2009
The instrumentalist best described as ‘the master of the talking drum’ has also earned a place in Grammy Award history.
In 2009, Sikiru won the Best Contemporary World Music Album as part of the Global Drum Project. This was in collaboration with Mickey Hart, Zakir Hussain and Giovanni Hidalgo.
- Damini ‘Burna Boy’ Ogulu — 2021
Burna Boy, the self-acclaimed African Giant, secured his Grammy-winning spot in 2021. His album Twice as Tall won the Best Global Music Album.
The singer, who is currently the most Grammy-nominated Nigerian artiste, was previously nominated in the same category in 2020 but lost. His African Giant album at the time lost to Angelique Kidjo’s work.
- Ayodeji ‘Wizkid’ Balogun — 2021
Famous Nigerian singer Ayodeji Balogun, otherwise known as Wizkid, also won his first Grammy Award in 2021. The Afrobeats singer won the Best Music Video category for his collaboration with Beyonce on Brown Skin Girl. The song celebrated black beauty and identity.
- Kelvin Olusola - 2014, 2015, 2016,
The Nigeria-rooted musician Kelvin Olusola is known as a member of the popular Acapella group, Pentatonix. He is also known for his beatboxing and vocal skills. Olusola has won multiple Grammy Awards with his team, making him a recipient of the coveted award.
In 2014, he won Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Capella for the song Daft Punk. In 2015, he received the award for the same category and with the song Dance of The Sugar Plum Fairy. Lastly, in 2016, he was honoured with the Best Country Duo/Duo Performance with Jolene.
- Babatunde Olatunji - 1991
As a drummer, Nigerian musician Babatunde Olatunji made waves before the global status of Afrobeats. In 1991, the professional percussionist won a Grammy for the Best World Music Album with Planet Drum. It was a collaborative work with Mickey Hart.
- Hakeem Temidayo Seriki ‘Chamillionaire’ — 2007
The Nigerian-American rap star Chamillionaire won his Grammy award in 2007. His hot song Ridin’ featuring Krayzie Bone secured the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category. The award is regarded by critics to have cemented Chamillionaire’s legacy in the hip-hop industry.
Tems, Burna Boy, 3 other Nigerian artistes with the most Grammy nominations
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the 67th Grammys nominations list for the Best African Music Performance saw Nigerian artistes make waves with their unique sounds in 2025.
Also, the Best Global Music Album listed Rema and Tems for their album projects HEIS and Born in the Wild—a notable feat for Nigeria.
Following Tems’ recent Grammy Award, which makes her the most awarded Nigerian artiste, TheRadar spotlighted five Nigerian artistes with the most Grammy nominations and their respective wins.
