Seyi Sodimu on ‘Love Me Jeje’: What Tems Did That Others Didn't

This Sunday, Nigerian singer Tems snagged the Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for her song titled "Love Me Jeje". The hit song by Tems samples the original song performed by artistes Seyi Sodimu and Shaffy Bello, and now during a new discussion with other veteran artistes, Seyi Sodimu is explaining why he has so much love and respect for Tems for the way she handled sampling and using the song.

Seyi Sodimu contrasted his experience with Tems to other artistes like Tiwa Savage, 2Face, and Banky W who have also used the phrase in their songs; but pointed out the major difference between how Tems approached it versus how the others did. Here's what Seyi Sodimu had to say.

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Speaking about Tems and why he has so much love and respect for what she did and how she approached him vs others, Seyi Sodimu said:

SEYI SODIMU: Real quick, this "Love Me Jeje" phrase—because it's a word that I created—Tems is the only and first artist who ever called me to clear it and get permission.

Now, shoutout to Tiwa Savage. I love her. I've worked with her. We did a show for Tiwa Savage in Uganda—Live in Uganda—sold out, 20,000 people. But she used it in, you know, "All Over"—"Love me jeje, love me tender"—that line. 2Face has used it, Banky W has used it, I think Skales has used it as well. Some American artists have used it too.

When you say "Love Me Jeje," it's uniquely mine because it's a mixture of two languages. What am I saying? There's a way to do things. That's why, as long as I live, the respect I have for Tems and her crew is immense. And that's why she's blessed, you understand? Because I prayed for her. I called, I hugged her, and I prayed for her. I'm like, "You're an angel, you're my angel, you're a vessel of God that God has used." Do you understand?

There's a way to do things. There has to be an element of respect—it goes a long way. Because once that person gives you a blessing, you will be more successful at what you do.

Shoutout to Tems and her crew.

What do you think about what Seyi Sodimu had to say? Your thoughts matter to me, so please share them in the comments below, or on my Jide Okonjo Facebook post. Let's keep the conversation going and I can't wait to see your thoughts on this.

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