A new wave of conversation has erupted across the global music scene after Tems’ manager, Muyiwa Awoniyi, widely known as Donawon, described Wizkid as “Africa’s biggest star” in a podcast interview, praising his influence and long-standing impact on the continent’s modern sound.
Awoniyi’s comments come in the wake of a widely discussed Coachella 2026 performance involving Tems, Wizkid, and Justin Bieber, which has continued to trend among fans of Afrobeats and global pop music. According to him, the original invitation reportedly came from Bieber’s team for Tems to join the April festival set. However, Tems insisted that Wizkid, credited as the lead artist on the collaboration, should also be part of the performance.
“The energy and global reach Wizkid brings are unmatched,” Awoniyi reportedly said during the podcast. “There is no one in Africa right now who has shaped the sound and culture like he has.”
The performance itself, staged at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2026, became one of the most talked-about moments of the event. It blended Afrobeats rhythms with mainstream pop staging, drawing large audience reactions both on-site and online. Clips from the set quickly circulated across social media platforms, fueling discussions about the growing dominance of African music on global stages.
While many fans celebrated the collaboration as a milestone for Afrobeats representation, others debated the behind-the-scenes narrative, particularly the decision to include Wizkid after Bieber’s initial involvement. Supporters of Wizkid argued that his presence elevated the performance, while some pop music fans focused on Bieber’s role in bridging genres.
Industry observers note that such cross-genre collaborations have become increasingly common, reflecting the global mainstreaming of Afrobeats. Over the past few years, artists like Wizkid and Tems have regularly appeared on major international stages, reshaping perceptions of African music beyond regional boundaries.
Tems, in particular, has built a reputation for carefully curating her collaborations, often emphasizing artistic alignment over commercial convenience. Awoniyi’s revelation reinforces that approach, suggesting that her decision to include Wizkid was driven by creative respect rather than logistics.
As the debate continues online, the Coachella 2026 performance is already being viewed by many as another defining moment in the globalization of Afrobeats. Whether viewed as a strategic collaboration or a cultural statement, the appearance has further cemented the visibility of African artists on the world stage, and reignited discussions about who truly leads the continent’s evolving sound.