Tems invited one of the top pop stars in the industry to perform with her for one of the biggest shows of her career. During his Sunday night (April 14) performance at Coachella 2024, the Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer brought out the big guns in Justin Bieber and Wizkid, who both stepped onto the stage for a performance of their hit “Essence.”
Fans had been warned. “Coachella! I’m too exciteddd I have a surprise tonight,” Tems wrote earlier on social media.
“Essence,” which Bieber and fellow Afrobeats artist Wizkid recorded together, was a real slow-burner that made an impression on Billboard’s charts nine months after it was first released in 2020. With “Essence,” Wizkid & co. would rule Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay in September 2021, creating history in the process. “Essence” became the first Afrobeats single to reach the top 10, peaking at No. 9. It also cracked the Billboard Hot 100.
Bieber is no stranger to smashing chart records. At 27, the Canadian pop singer became the youngest solo artist in history to notch 100 songs on the Billboard Hot 100, a feat he reached in 2021. Since revealing in June 2022 that he has Ramsay Hunt syndrome and that one side of his face is experiencing “full paralysis,” the singer has maintained a relatively quiet profile. On Sunday night, he showed no ill effects as he glided around the Coachella stage alongside Tems and Wizkid.
The surprise appearance electrified the crowd, who sang along word-for-word to “Essence” — a song that has truly proven its staying power nearly three years after its release. Bieber took lead vocals on the opening verse originally recorded by Wizkid, before joining Tems on the chorus. Tems absolutely shone during her verses, showing off her stunning vocals.
Both Tems and Bieber were all smiles as they playfully danced together, clearly enjoying the special moment. For Tems, having Bieber join her for her first-ever Coachella performance surely exceeds any expectations the fast-rising Nigerian talent had for the landmark gig. Bieber’s appearance also demonstrates his continued support for Tems, after the two previously linked up to remix her song “Higher” in 2021.
While she may be a relatively new name to mainstream Western audiences, Tems (full name Temilade Openiyi) has already made huge waves in the Afrobeats scene with her infectious blend of R&B, soul, and Afro-fusion. The release of her debut EP For Broken Ears in 2020 generated significant buzz, landing her opening slots for the likes of Khalid.
Collaborations with the likes of Drake and Future soon followed, along with “Essence” catapulting Tems to new heights in 2021. Her ascent has shown no signs of slowing down either, with her excellent 2022 album If Orange Was a Place earning critical acclaim and cementing her status as one of Afrobeat’s most exciting young talents.
Having Justin Bieber join her on the Coachella stage rubs further salt in that wound for the singer’s critics and doubters — of which there were many in the early days. But with credential-boosting co-signs from artists like Bieber, as well as her own undeniable talent, Tems has firmly cemented her place at the table. Her epic Coachella 2024 performance just further backs that up. I sincerely hope you enjoy this “Coachella Highlights- Justin Bieber Joins Forces with Tems” article.
