Tems Shines at Billboard Women in Music 2025 As She Celebrates Curves and Black Identity

On March 29, 2025, the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles buzzed with excitement as the Billboard Women in Music Awards unfolded, honoring the industry's most influential female artists, creators, and executives.

Among the standout moments was the appearance of Nigerian music sensation Tems, whose striking presence and candid words captured the attention of fans and media alike.

A viral X post showcased Tems at the event, where she confidently shared, "My favorite thing about being a Black woman? I love being curvy. I love that I have a little booty."

The post, accompanied by an image of Tems in a sheer black outfit against the event’s branded backdrop, quickly sparked a wave of reactions online, blending admiration, humor, and cultural reflection.

Tems’ appearance at the Billboard Women in Music Awards underscores her meteoric rise in the global music scene.

Having made history as the first Nigerian artist to win multiple Grammy Awards—most recently for "Love Me JeJe" in the Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards—she continues to break barriers.

Her 2025 milestones also include becoming the first African woman to hold part ownership in a Major League Soccer team, San Diego FC, showcasing her influence beyond music.

At the awards, Tems embodied the event’s mission to celebrate women who shape the industry, standing tall as a symbol of African excellence on an international stage.

Her statement about loving her curves resonated deeply, especially in the context of the 2025 Met Gala, which she also attended earlier in the month.

The Met Gala’s theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," explored the significance of fashion in shaping Black identities across the Atlantic diaspora, with a focus on the Black dandy as an aesthetic and political figure.

Tems’ celebration of her body aligns with this narrative, reflecting a broader cultural pride in Black physicality and style.

A follow-up X post by Naija shared a clip of Tems on the Met Gala carpet, where she elaborated on her appreciation for her curves, further tying her personal expression to the event’s theme of Black identity and sartorial elegance.

The X post ignited a lively conversation among users, with many playfully challenging Tems’ description of her "little booty."

Comments like "Little what!!!! Mama you got more than what your eyes are telling you, you’re a queen" from @Bigdreamzmusik and "A little? Lol girl you got a whole truck back there" from @mind_talkss

reflect the humorous tone of the reactions. Others, like @fehyntoluwa, quipped, "If this is little I wonder what medium and large go be," highlighting the lighthearted debate.

However, not all responses were jovial—@RedChids

called the question "shallow," while @kopiumdev

pointed out the double standard in societal expectations around body discussions, noting, "Tomorrow, it’ll be the men accused of sexualizing the women."

These reactions tap into deeper cultural conversations about body image, particularly within the African and African American communities.

Research, such as a study from PMC, highlights that African American mothers often prefer larger body ideals for their children, a cultural phenomenon that contrasts with mainstream beauty standards.

Tems’ embrace of her curves, and the playful yet reflective responses to her statement, mirror this cultural pride while also showcasing her role as a confident, unapologetic Black woman in the spotlight.

Her words and presence at these high-profile events continue to inspire, blending music, identity, and cultural dialogue on a global stage.