Tems has undoubtedly established herself as one of the most internationally recognized female Afrobeats artistes, but does she currently hold the top spot?
Her accolades speak volumes. She has won 2 Grammys, for her contribution to Future’s Wait For U and for Love Me Jeje, making her the first Nigerian female artist to achieve this. She also boasts an Oscar nomination for co-writing Rihanna’s Lift Me Up and has collaborated with global stars like Beyoncé, Drake, and Wizkid. Additionally, her solo songs, such as Free Mind, have gained significant traction in the U.S., spending weeks on the Billboard Hot 100.
However, competition exists. Tiwa Savage, often referred to as the Queen of Afrobeats, has had major collaborations with Sam Smith, Brandy, and Coldplay. Ayra Starr is also making waves, earning Grammy nominations and charting internationally with Rush.
While Tems’ critical acclaim and industry recognition are unparalleled, Tiwa Savage and Ayra Starr remain strong contenders in mainstream global popularity. So, while Tems might have the biggest recognition in elite circles, Tiwa and Ayra still hold strong mainstream appeal.
Would you say Tems is at the absolute top, or does it depend on the measure of “biggest”?
