How the Christian Community Feels About Tems BET Award
Tems BET Award has got both Nigerians and the Christian community at large talking. Nigerian singer, songwriter, and record producer Temilade Openiyi, professionally known as ‘Tems,’ has clinched her fourth BET award with her widely acclaimed song, ‘Me & U.’
At the Peacock Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, Tems emerged victorious in the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award category, besting formidable contenders such as Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, and Maverick City Music.
Tems BET Award Wins
A series of impressive accomplishments mark Tems’ journey to this victory. In 2022, she won the BET awards for Best International Act and Best Collaboration for her work on Wizkid’s hit song ‘Essence.’ The following year, she continued her winning streak by securing the Best Collaboration award for her song “Wait for U” with Drake and Future, which also received accolades at the BET Hip Hop Awards in 2022.
This year, she clinched another BET award for best gospel/inspirational song. This year, the singer was not around to receive her award, as she is currently touring.
Tems “Christian” Song, Me & U
‘Me & U,’ a song released in 2023, showcases Tems’ exceptional vocal prowess and ability to create deeply moving music. The song’s video, which she directed, is filled with powerful imagery. Scenes of Tems standing in shallow natural water, dressed in a translucent white gown, drew comparisons to the deities Oshun and Yemojá from Nigerian Yorùbá spirituality. However, Tems clarified the spiritual intent behind the imagery, stating, “Actually, it’s about Jesus Christ teaching me how to walk on water, to trust Him and not in human understanding. He changed my life. And if you seek Him, He will fill you up too.”
The video features moments of solitude, with Tems dancing across earth and sea, contrasted with scenes of women playing the drums and forming circles and crosses around her. Whether the spiritual undertones point to Jesus, or Yemoja, remains to be seen.
The Christian Outrage Against Tems Win
Naturally, some Christians were outraged about the Tems BET Award. It doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with Tems herself; it’s just that the award has been popularly given to gospel artists like Kirk Franklin (who himself has won it six times). And by giving it to someone who is known for secular music, it seems that BET has an agenda against Christian music.
The History of the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award
The Dr Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award is named after Dr Bobby Jones to honour his immense contributions to the gospel music industry. “Gospel” is the key word here, which initially was the main focus of the award. It was not until 2017 that the term “Inspirational” was added to encompass a broader range of music that includes traditional gospel songs and contemporary inspirational tracks. This change was intended to recognise the genre’s evolving nature and include artists who may not fit strictly into the traditional gospel category but whose music still carries a positive and uplifting message.
Many Christians appreciated the broader scope of the award, recognising that inspirational music, whether strictly gospel or not, can uplift and convey positive, faith-based messages.
While others expressed concerns that adding “Inspirational” to the award’s title might dilute the focus on traditional gospel music, they worried that the change could include songs that, while positive and uplifting, may not align with the traditional gospel sound and message, as is the case with “Me & U”.
Regardless of the controversy, we congratulate Tems on her win at the 2024 BET Awards. Her song, ‘Me & U,’ has undoubtedly touched many hearts.
All images are sourced from twitter
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