Nigeria's renowned Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, scored a nomination at the 2023 Oscars for co-writing ‘Lift Me Up’, one of the songs on 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.' Tems has become the first Nigerian musician to be nominated for an Oscar award, for her role in creating Rihanna's song Lift Me Up from the Wakanda Forever soundtrack. It's the latest accolade for the singer-songwriter - who has been shortlisted for a Golden Globe and Grammy in recent months.
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This time around it's her writing that's up for an award - along with Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson and Rihanna. Tems has yet to comment publicly on the news, but fans of the star have been congratulating her on social media. While discussing the record in the past, Tems had mentioned that she drew inspiration for the song from people who were once in her life, but had passed away.
"After speaking with Ryan and hearing his direction for the film and the song, I wanted to write something that portrays a warm embrace from all the people that I've lost in my life. I tried to imagine what it would feel like if I could sing to them now and express how much I miss them," Tems said. "Rihanna has been an inspiration to me, so hearing her convey this song is a great honor."
