Grammy-winning Nigerian music sensation Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has opened up about one of the qualities she admires most in her colleague and close collaborator, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, widely known as Wizkid. The revelation came during an interactive question-and-answer session she held with her fans on X, sparking warm reactions across the Afrobeats community and further highlighting the deep creative connection between the two internationally acclaimed stars.
The singer, who has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary African music, took time to engage with her followers by responding to their questions about her life, artistry, inspirations, and experiences. However, one particular question stood out among the many submitted. A fan with the handle @Gbolaha_n9 asked Tems directly what she loved most about Wizkid, who is not only one of her biggest collaborators but also a major force in shaping the new era of global Afrobeats.
The question read: “One thing you love about BigWiz?”
Tems, known for her calm presence, honesty, and introspective nature, replied with a heartfelt response that quickly went viral. She wrote: “His heart, his work ethic.” These five simple words sparked widespread admiration from fans who praised her for acknowledging what many within the industry have often described as one of Wizkid’s strongest attributes — his discipline, consistency, and genuine kindness.
Her statement has been widely interpreted as a reflection of the mutual respect and synergy that has defined their working relationship over the years. For many music lovers, the admiration between Wizkid and Tems represents the spirit of unity that has propelled Afrobeats onto the international stage and continues to strengthen the genre’s global appeal.
AfricaLiveNews.com recalls that the collaboration between Wizkid and Tems produced one of the most influential songs in the history of Afrobeats. Their 2020 hit “Essence” became a worldwide phenomenon shortly after its release on Wizkid’s highly successful album, Made in Lagos. What began as a soulful Afro-fusion track quickly transformed into a global anthem, dominating charts, clubs, playlists, and music festivals across continents.
“Essence” earned numerous award nominations, including a Grammy nomination, and opened an entirely new chapter for Afrobeats on the world stage. It also broke multiple records, becoming the first Nigerian song in history to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 9 after a remix featuring Justin Bieber. The success of the song cemented both Wizkid and Tems as international powerhouses and showcased the potential of African collaborations in shaping global music.
Beyond the commercial success, “Essence” represented a perfect balance of Wizkid’s smooth, mature sound and Tems’ soulful, distinct vocals. The chemistry between the two artistes was evident, and fans worldwide connected with the authenticity and passion embedded in the music. Their partnership became a symbol of what is possible when two uniquely gifted artistes merge their strengths with artistic honesty and dedication.
Since the success of “Essence”, Tems has been spotted performing with Wizkid on several major stages across the world, including their unforgettable joint appearance at the O2 Arena in London. The duo has delivered electrifying performances that often leave fans yearning for more collaborations. Their stage presence reflects not only professional respect but also a genuine connection that fuels creativity.
Tems’ recent comment reinforces what many insiders and collaborators have said about Wizkid over the years — that behind his global superstar status lies a deeply thoughtful, hardworking, and compassionate individual. From nurturing emerging talents to consistently evolving his sound, Wizkid has built a legacy grounded in discipline and artistic integrity. Tems’ admiration for his work ethic echoes the sentiments of many young artistes who have credited him with providing inspiration and guidance.
For Tems, the admiration appears to be rooted in personal experience, as Wizkid played a significant role in projecting her gift to the world. In multiple interviews, she has spoken about how the collaboration changed her life and opened doors that once seemed out of reach. Her appearance on “Essence” accelerated her rise to international prominence, eventually contributing to her Grammy win, global tours, and collaborations with international stars such as Beyoncé, Drake, Future, and Rihanna.
Tems’ acknowledgment of Wizkid’s heart also touches on a side of the superstar that fans rarely see. While Wizkid is known for his cool, laid-back persona, those close to him often describe him as generous, caring, and deeply loyal. Over the years, he has supported countless young creatives and maintained strong ties with artistes he collaborates with. Tems’ comment highlights this human element, offering fans a glimpse into the genuine respect and warmth that exists behind their professional relationship.
The exchange on X has reignited discussions online, with fans expressing hopes for another collaboration between the two artistes. Many believe that a follow-up to “Essence” could again change the soundscape of Afrobeats and push the boundaries of African music on the world stage. Although neither artiste has confirmed a new joint project, the renewed buzz demonstrates the impact their partnership has had on the global music community.
For AfricaLiveNews readers, this moment is yet another reminder of the power of Nigerian and African artistes in shaping global music narratives. The love, respect, and unity shared among artistes like Tems and Wizkid speaks volumes about the collaborative spirit that continues to elevate Afrobeats and position it at the forefront of global culture.
As Tems continues to rise and Wizkid maintains his legendary influence, their connection serves as an inspiring symbol of African excellence, creativity, and mutual admiration.
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