By Ìbùkúnolúwa Dàda
Tems and Ayra Starr have made history with their albums on Apple Music and Billboard 200 respectively in the black music month.
Temilade Opebiyi, known professionally as Tems, sets a new record with her debut album “Born in the Wild” which peaked at NO. 5 on the Apple Music Album Chart. The album which was released on June 7 has given her the highest charting position by a Nigerian female artiste.
Ayra Starr, born Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, made history with her sophomore album ‘The Year I Turned 21’ becoming the first Nigerian female artiste on the U.S. Billboard 200 Album chart. The album, which was released on May 30th, entered the Billboard 200 at NO. 195.
The historical feats of the two female Grammy-nominated singer-songwriters, who people erroneously assume are related, come amid the decision of the organizers of Grammy awards, Recording Academy, to expand in Africa And The Middle East, and support its acts more.
Tems’ breakthrough moment came when she was featured on Wizkid’s Grammy-nominated hit song, “Essence.” This collaboration not only showcased her incredible vocal abilities but also cemented her position as one of the leading female artists in the global Afrobeats boom of the early 2020s. She later won her first Grammy with the song “Wait for U” with Future and Drake.
Ayra Starr, a rising star, has made waves in the music industry with her groundbreaking single, “Rush,” earning her a nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 2024 GRAMMYs. In 2023, she embarked on her first headline tour, captivating audiences with her soulful voice and a powerful blend of Afropop, R&B, and alté. This international showcase solidified her position as a dynamic force in the music world, establishing her as an influential artist with undeniable talent and a fresh approach to music.
June has been celebrated as the black music month since the decree by President Carter on June 7th, 1979. Other events has happened to celebrate the month including the White House concert held on Monday, June 10.
