Oscars 2023: Tems Loses First Nomination To Indian Songwriters

Nigerian Afrobeat Queen and vocalist Tems has lost her first Oscar nomination. Tems shared writing credit on Rihanna’s song “Lift Me Up,” which earned her an Oscar nomination. Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’s original soundtrack featured “Lift Me Up” and was nominated for “Best Original Song” at the 2023 Oscars.

Unfortunately, “NAATU NAATU” by RRR received the award instead. The song, NAATU NAATU, was composed by lyricist Chandrabose and composer M.M. Keeravani for the Bollywood blockbuster “RRR.”

Tems is the first and only Nigerian artist to receive an Oscar nomination, even though she did not win. She was nominated in the ‘Best Original Song’ category alongside Ludwig Göransson, Rihanna, and Ryan Coogler, who all contributed to the song.

Also, “Naatu Naatu” triumphed over the nominees “Applause” from Tell It Like a Woman (Diane Warren), “Hold My Hand” from Top Gun: Maverick (Lady Gaga, Bloodpop), and “This Is A Life” from Everything Everywhere All at Once (Ryan Lott, David Byrne, Mitski).

According to composer M.M. Keeravani and songwriter Chandrabose, the popular dance song “Naatu Naatu” made Oscars history as the first song from an Indian film to win the honor. Following an energetic performance that included the well-known “hook dance” moves from the famous movie “RRR,” modified for the Dolby Theatre stage, the Telugu-language song was announced as the winner.