Nigerian singer and songwriter Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, secured the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the 2024 BET Awards last night, News About Nigeria reports.
Tems won the prestigious award with her song “Me & U,” surpassing a strong lineup of nominees including Shirley Caesar (“Award All of the Glory”), Kirk Franklin (“All Things”), Halle Bailey (“Angel”), CeCe Winans (“Come Jesus Come”), Erica Campbell (“Do You Believe in Love?”), Maverick City Music, Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore (“God Problems”), and Kirk Franklin again (“Try Love”).
The BET Awards Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award honours urban contemporary gospel artists based on sales and the overall quality of their content released within the eligibility period.
Originally titled Best Gospel Artist, the award was renamed in 2017 to honour gospel music legend Dr. Bobby Jones.
Kirk Franklin holds the record in this category with six wins.
South African singer Tyla was also celebrated at the 2024 BET Awards, held on Monday, by winning the Best New Artist award.
In addition to this accolade, Tyla clinched the award for Best International Act, triumphing over notable artists such as Asake, Ayra Starr, and Aya Nakamura (France).
Accepting the Best New Artist award in the early hours of Monday, Tyla expressed her gratitude and dedicated her win to African artists.
“This is such a gift to be here. I want to dedicate this one to Africa. I want to dedicate this to all the African superstars before me that didn’t get these opportunities that I’m getting. This is just amazing. Africa to the world, guys,” Tyla said in her acceptance speech.
Historically, Nigerian artists have had a strong presence at the BET Awards, with Davido winning Best International Act in 2018 and Burna Boy securing the same award in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Tems interrupted Burna Boy’s streak by winning in 2022, only for Burna Boy to reclaim it in 2023.
