Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, widely known as Tems, shared how her collaboration with Wizkid on the hit track Essence launched her onto the global stage. In an interview with Big Boy TV, Tems, 29, recounted how, shortly after the song’s success, she received messages from international stars Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Drake—all within just three days.
Tems explained that Beyoncé’s team was the first to reach out, followed by direct messages from Drake and Rihanna.
Reflecting on the surreal experience, she said, “I never imagined reaching this level. After Essence, everything changed. In 2020, Beyoncé’s team contacted me, and I was in awe. Then, suddenly, I got messages from Rihanna and Drake—people who have shaped culture for over a decade. It was like a dream or a prank.”
Tems described the experience as an unforgettable moment that felt almost unreal, highlighting the impact of the song and the doors it opened for her career.
