Tems has always had a celestial quality—something in her voice that sounds bigger than radio or charts. And in 2024, she tapped directly into that frequency with Me & U, a minimalist, haunting, spiritual banger that won her the Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award at the BET Awards.

It wasn’t traditional gospel. It wasn’t flashy. But it was powerful—and deeply felt.

Let's take a look at what makes her a standout artist.

The song didn’t name-check God. It didn’t fit neatly into one genre. But the longing, intimacy, and connection Tems channeled made listeners feel like they were witnessing a spiritual awakening.

This wasn’t Afrobeats as we know it. Tems carved a lane that sounded global, cinematic, and intimate. With Nigerian roots and a voice that refuses to be boxed in, her win was a win for sonic freedom.

Soft synths, echoing bass, and a stripped-down beat let her vocals lead. It was the sound of isolation, reflection, and revelation. “Me & U” felt like a conversation between her and the divine—and we just got to listen in.

She didn’t chase a crossover. She didn’t force a hit. She released a song that felt sacred, then let it find its people. The BET Awards noticed—and responded.

Fans on social media called “Me & U” their therapy song. The one that got them through the dark. Tems may not label herself a gospel artist, but she gave a lot of people something to believe in.

TL;DR:
Tems’ win for “Me & U” at the 2024 BET Awards was proof that spirituality in music doesn’t have to look—or sound—traditional. It just has to feel real. And Tems made it feel divine.

Watch the BET Awards on BET June 9th at 8pm ET