Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage has argued that Tems deserves recognition as one of the top Afrobeats artists, after being excluded from the genre’s top three. The term ‘Big 3’ typically refers to male artists Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid, who are widely regarded as Nigeria’s most successful global musical exports.
However, Tiwa Savage questioned the criteria used to select the ‘Big 3’, suggesting that it overlooks the achievements of female artists in the Afrobeats genre. In an interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, she challenged the exclusion of female singers from top-tier recognition, citing Tems as an example. Tiwa Savage noted that certain artists have more resources to promote their music, which can lead to greater exposure.
Tems has gained significant recognition in recent years, rising to fame in 2020 after collaborating with Wizkid on the song ‘Essence’. She has since won two Grammy Awards, including one in 2023 for her contribution to ‘Wait For U’ and another in 2025 for ‘Best African Performance’. Tiwa Savage argued that Tems’ achievements warrant inclusion in discussions about the top Afrobeats artists.
The debate highlights the importance of recognizing female artists’ contributions to the Afrobeats genre. Tiwa Savage’s comments have sparked a conversation about the criteria used to evaluate success in the music industry and the need to give female artists equal recognition. As the Afrobeats genre continues to gain global popularity, it is likely that the discussion around representation and recognition of female artists will continue.
