Nigerian singer-songwriter Tems has sent fans into a frenzy after revealing the two qualities she loves most about Afrobeats icon Wizkid, a rare public comment that has rekindled conversations about their bond and legendary collaboration.
The revelation emerged during a surprise Q&A session on X (formerly Twitter), which the Grammy-winning star hosted just days after releasing her third EP, Love Is a Kingdom.
While Tems spent the session discussing themes behind the seven-track project, a single question stood out. A fan identified as Gbolahun asked what she loves most about Wizkid, one of the most influential collaborators of her career.
Tems didn’t hold back. She quoted the tweet and wrote:
“His Heart, his work ethic.” ❤️
The simple but powerful response immediately went viral, especially because Tems rarely comments on her personal relationships or creative partnerships. For fans, it was a reminder of the deep respect and synergy that fueled their global hit “Essence.”
For many music observers, Tems’ response provides insight into why the duo created one of the most impactful Afrobeats records of all time. Her emphasis on Wizkid’s personality and work ethic suggests their success was not just spontaneous magic, it was built on alignment, discipline, and mutual admiration.
The Q&A unveiled another unexpected detail: what Tems would have become if music had not worked out. Responding to a fan, she said:
“I might have been an accountant or a mathematics teacher.”
Before fame, Tems worked in digital marketing, making her answer even more interesting. The revelation paints a picture of how close she came to a traditional career, one far from the global stages she now commands. It also reveals how easily the world could have missed out on her unique sound, introspective writing, and genre-shaping influence.
Wizkid and Tems remain one of the most celebrated collaborations in contemporary Afrobeats. Their partnership became iconic with “Essence,” the standout single from Wizkid’s 2020 album Made in Lagos.
The Justin Bieber-assisted remix broke global barriers, becoming the first Nigerian song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance.
The track’s commercial power is historic: 4× Platinum (RIAA) in the U.S., with over four million units sold, Platinum certification in the UK and a permanent spot in conversations about Afrobeats’ global expansion
From Lagos studios to international tours, Wizkid has consistently championed Tems, often endorsing her artistry publicly. Their relationship, built on mutual respect and creative freedom, has helped shape an entire generation’s sound.