Famous Nigerian songstress Tiwa Savage has made a case for Tems after her name was excluded from Afrobeats’ top three artistes.

The term ‘Big 3’ is widely used to refer to the male trio Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid, who are celebrated as Nigeria’s most dominant global musical exports.

However, questioning the criteria used in selecting the ‘Big 3’ in the industry, Tiwa argued that the narrative turns a blind eye to the outstanding achievements of leading women in the Afrobeats genre.

Speaking in an interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, she challenged the exclusionary labelling of female singers and insisted that Tems deserves top-tier recognition.

“Think about it, Certain types of artistes get paid more. So, they get the opportunity to spend more on influencers and radio play so you are going to hear their music way more.

“Also, I feel like it is unfair to have a conversation about the Top 3 and not mention someone like Tems. Are you serious?” she asked.

Tems rose to fame in 2020 after her collaboration with Wizkid on ‘Essence’.

She earned her first Grammy in 2023 for her contribution to ‘Wait For U’ in 2022.

In 2025, Tems received her second Grammy Award in the ‘Best African Performance’ category.