US-based Nigerian recording artiste Seyi Sodimu has shared the profound impression that singer and document producer Temilade ‘Tems’ Openiyi’s sampling of his 1997 hit music, ‘Love Me, Jeje,’ has had on his life.
Earlier, PREMIUM TIMES reported that 29-year-old Tems received the 67th Grammy Award for Greatest African Music Efficiency along with her 2024 rendition of ‘Love Me Jeje’, a monitor on her Born within the Wild album.
Throughout a reside Instagram session with UK-based Media and Leisure Advisor Abass Tijani, Sodimu defined that Tems’ inventive reinterpretation of his traditional hit breathed new life into his profession and reworked his perspective on the artwork of music.
The ‘Cash Man’ hitmaker stated: “In March 2024, my companions—Kola and Matthew Ohio—talked about that individuals have been searching for me. I replied that I wasn’t laborious to search out and requested who looked for me since I wasn’t well-known. They stated Tems’ administration was making an attempt to succeed in me. I used to be in Nigeria for a present at the moment. We have now an organization known as Life Wire that produces an annual present in Nigeria—we simply did Evening of Queens in December.
“I spoke with Tems’ managers, Wale Davies and Muyiwa Awoniyi, who have been very good. They informed me that, if I knew Tems, she was planning on doing a remake of my ‘Love Me Jeje’ and that her album was popping out quickly, so we would wish to clear it. I requested if I may see what they have been planning on doing. They despatched me the music in a tough format; I learn it and thought, ‘Wow’ after I noticed the lyrics. For the reason that music’s launch, it has been life-changing for me. Afrobeats is the place it’s as we speak because of its stable basis.”
Emotional
Moreover, Sodimu acknowledged that Tems’ sampling of his music was each a shock and a supply of pleasure for him.
He additionally revealed that he posted the music on his Instagram web page as a result of he believed it was larger than him—little did he know that it might ultimately carry him again to the limelight after document labels had rejected it.
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“I used to be shocked and completely satisfied (when Tems administration contacted me), and I stated, ‘Executed deal. Let me know what we’ll do collectively on the music.’ We received legal professionals concerned, went forwards and backwards, and received the deal carried out—all of this occurred inside every week. Afterwards, they stated I needed to be within the video, and I agreed. I then met Tems, and she or he’s such a beautiful woman.
“She informed me that when she was rising up, her mom used to play my music ‘Love Me Jeje’ and that my music—in addition to Shaffy Bello—had impressed her. She stated we impressed her music and wished to offer me flowers by having me within the music video so individuals would know the music’s origin. I used to be within the video. She (Tems) is aware of what she’s doing, and I informed her that this music (Love Me Jeje) could be considered one of her greatest,” Sodimu added.
Time
He acknowledged that his cellphone has not stopped ringing since Tems launched the music—from its nomination to its eventual Grammy win.
He additionally talked about that many individuals have congratulated him, remarking that Tems profitable the Grammy along with his remake marked his second.
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“I used to be in Nigeria when she launched the music. It was a masterpiece, and she or he killed it. The music carried out exceptionally effectively on her ‘Born within the Wild’ album. When it was nominated for a Grammy, individuals known as me to say congratulations, and my cellphone wouldn’t cease ringing. I used to be amazed as a result of this one music took every part from zero to a whole lot.
“My cellphone has been ringing nonstop, and folks say it’s my time. However it’s not my time—it’s all due to Tems. She’s a rare expertise, and God used her as a vessel to almost change my life.”
Seyi’s African musical affect resulted within the launch of his debut album, Born in Afrika, in 1998.
The album contained the hit music “Love Me, Jeje, Love Me Tender.” It was launched underneath Shakara Leisure.
This album topped the charts in Nigeria on Ray Energy 100 FM and offered over 30,000 copies within the first weeks of its launch.
The album additionally earned him nominations and awards in Nigeria. His daughter is a songwriter and sings backup on lots of his tracks.
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