WizKid, Tems: The Afrobeats Vanguard

WizKid, Tems is the collaborative powerhouse of Nigerian superstars Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (WizKid) and Temilade Openiyi (Tems). Hailing from Lagos, Nigeria, their partnership has become a defining force in the global explosion of Afrobeats. Their 2021 collaboration "Essence" became a historic international hit, achieving platinum certification in the United States and becoming the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

Early career

WizKid began his professional music journey as a teenager, releasing his debut album Superstar in 2011 under Banky W's Empire Mates Entertainment (E.M.E). The album was a major success in Nigeria, establishing him as a fresh voice in the pop and Afrobeats scene. Tems, born in 1995, started gaining attention in 2018 with her self-produced single "Mr Rebel," showcasing her distinct, soulful vocal style and songwriting talent before formally signing with Leading Vibe Ltd.

Breakthrough

The duo's individual paths to global fame converged spectacularly in 2020. WizKid featured Tems on the track "Essence" from his critically acclaimed and commercially massive fourth studio album, Made in Lagos. The song's slow-burn success, fueled by a remix with Justin Bieber, propelled it to worldwide recognition in 2021, breaking chart records and defining the sound of modern Afrobeats.

Key tracks

Essence — This Grammy-nominated single broke the global Afrobeats ceiling, becoming a platinum-certified summer anthem and a historic Billboard chart entry.

No Stress — Tems' 2020 breakout single established her signature atmospheric sound and earned a spot on WizKid's Made in Lagos album, introducing her to a wider audience.

Ojuelegba — WizKid's 2014 hit, a cornerstone of his career, illustrated his storytelling prowess and caught the attention of international artists like Drake, who later collaborated with him.

Try Me — Tems' defiant 2019 debut single showcased her powerful vocals and independent artistry, quickly making her a fan favorite in the Nigerian alté scene.

Money & Love — A key track from WizKid's 2022 album More Love, Less Ego, it demonstrates the continued evolution of his sound and collaborative spirit within the genre.

Following the seismic success of "Essence," both artists have reached new career heights. Tems earned a Grammy nomination for her contribution to Future's "Wait For U" and co-wrote for Beyoncé's Renaissance album. WizKid's Made in Lagos deluxe edition and his 2022 album More Love, Less Ego have solidified his status as a headline act, selling out major venues like the O2 Arena in London multiple times.

Their collaborative success is part of a vibrant Nigerian music wave. For fans of WizKid, Tems, explore similar artists like Burna Boy for his Grammy-winning fusion of Afrobeats and dancehall. Fireboy DML offers a similarly melodic and emotive take on contemporary Afropop. Omah Lay brings a darker, introspective edge to the genre's soundscape. Tiwa Savage represents the powerhouse female vocalist and hitmaker in the Afrobeats arena.

The infectious rhythms of WizKid, Tems are staples on modern Afrobeats and global pop radio stations featured on our network. Their tracks regularly feature in rotations on international music FM stations, dedicated African music channels, and leading online radio streams that champion cross-cultural sounds.

You can experience the global phenomenon of WizKid, Tems by tuning into the Afrobeats and international pop radio stations available right here on onairium.com. Discover their chart-topping collaborations and solo hits through our curated station lineup.