Welcome to Vol 121 of The Spread! Hello and welcome to our new (and current) subscribers!

The Spread is a weekly edit of the best stories and global news on Africa(ns) influencing mainstream culture.

But before that…

Big things are coming to Marmalade! We're kicking off Marmalade Member Mondays—a virtual hangout to connect and share with our amazing community. Plus, our IRL Meetups launch in February, so get ready to link up in person!

Also, if you've got something cool to share, our Spotlight section is open—reach out if you'd like to be featured in The Spread!

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Now, on to the real peel 👇

FEATURE STORY

🏆 Tems Wins 'Best African Music Performance' at the 2025 Grammys

Image Credit: Winaface/Instagram

Tems has done it again! The Nigerian singer just picked up her second Grammy, this time for Best African Music Performance, with her hit Love Me Jeje. The song is a nod to nostalgia, and cleverly reimagines Seyi Sodimu’s 1997 classic of the same name, blending old-school charm with Tems’ signature soulful touch.

This marks Tems’ second Grammy win, following her Best Melodic Rap Performance award in 2023 for WAIT FOR YOU, her hit collaboration with Future and Drake. And even though she and Rema missed out on Best Global Music Album—which went to American artist Matt B for Alkebulan II—there’s no doubt that Afrobeats and African artists are taking up more space at music’s biggest night.

The Grammys might still have a long way to go in fully recognizing African music’s depth and influence, but Tems’ back-to-back wins prove that she’s not just part of the conversation–she’s helping lead it. Tems is in her era, and the world is listening.

Read on OkayAfrica
Image Credit: Seun Kuti/Instagram
Image Credit: Tramaine Suubi/Instagram

⏳ Trivia Time

What was the name of Seun Kuti’s first album?


A) Africa With Fury: Rise
B) Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head)
C) Many Things
D) Black Times

Scroll to the very bottom for the answer.

ICYMI

🧭 Guide: Finding Beauty in the Ordinary: Kashope on Love, Photography and Community

Image Source: Kashope

Kashope Elijah Faje’s latest series focuses on portraying love in everyday scenarios, challenging the societal norms that equate romance with just luxury. Instead, Kashope captures love in its most accessible form—couples enjoying mundane moments, like doing chores or riding a bike, reminding us that love, much like photography, is often found in the ordinary.

We explore how Kashope’s background, his connection to community, and his belief in collaboration have all contributed to his storytelling process. He shares his insights on creating authentic and heartfelt images, how working with a team brings his visions to life, and how he’s building a community of creatives around him.

Read & Share Guide

What We're...

📰 Reading: Culture Custodian’s deep-dive into Shalom Obiago’s journey as an actor caught between two worlds.

🎧 Listening to: Netara by Fatoumata Diawara.

📺 Watching: How Bongo Flava Icon Alikiba and Ghanaian rapper Kofi Kinaata are using their star power to make a real difference.

🎟️ Booking: Basketmouth’s live show in London this Saturday.

👀 Eyeing: Hertunba’s new, and exclusive, custom Donda Mesh Dress

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Trivia Answer: C) Many Things
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