A wave of controversy has swept through Nigerian social media following a viral statement by Grammy winning singer and songwriter Tems The Free Mind crooner appeared to throw subtle shade at Wizkid fans after reminding the public that she was the one who wrote Essence the global hit that catapulted both artists to international recognition .
Her statement Essence changed lives but dont forget who wrote it instantly caught fire online reigniting long standing debates about songwriting credit artistic contribution and fan rivalry in the Nigerian music scene .
Background The Song That Defined an Era
Released in 2020 as part of Wizkid critically acclaimed album Made in Lagos Essence became one of the most successful Afrobeats songs in history The track which featured Tems not only topped charts across Africa but also made history as the first Nigerian song to enter the Billboard Hot 100 chart .
The remix featuring Justin Bieber further pushed the song to global heights earning multiple award nominations international performances and solidifying Afrobeats as a global sound .
While Wizkid was widely praised for the song success music insiders and fans have long acknowledged Tems contribution particularly her songwriting and vocals as a driving force behind its emotional resonance .
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Tems Viral Statement and Online Reactions
Tems recent post Essence changed lives but dont forget who wrote it appeared on her X formerly Twitter account late Sunday night Within minutes it became one of the top trending topics in Nigeria drawing thousands of reactions from both her fans and Wizkid supporters .
Many interpreted the statement as a subtle clapback at Wizkid fanbase known as Wizkid FC who often credit their idol for the global success of Essence while downplaying Tems role .
Supporters of Tems quickly came to her defense emphasizing that she not only performed but also co wrote the song Some fans even resurfaced past interviews and studio credits to back her claim Others however criticized Tems for what they saw as unnecessary shade toward Wizkid arguing that Essence was a collaborative masterpiece rather than a solo effort .
Industry Voices Weigh In
Music analysts and industry insiders have also joined the conversation A notable Lagos based entertainment journalist commented that Tems statement was not arrogance but a call for fairness in how credit is distributed in collaborations .
Tems wrote the foundation of Essence Without her pen and voice the song would not carry the same emotional depth But at the same time Wizkid platform gave the song its global reach the journalist explained .
Some producers and songwriters echoed similar sentiments highlighting how songwriting is often underappreciated in Afrobeats where vocalists and performers tend to get most of the recognition .
Fan Reactions Twitter at War
- As with most celebrity controversies in Nigeria entertainment industry the online debate quickly escalated into a fan war .
- Wizkid FC accused Tems of being ungrateful reminding her that Essence gained international attention largely due to Wizkid brand power and marketing reach .
- Rebel Gang Tems fanbase defended their queen emphasizing that songwriting is the core of artistry and that Tems contribution should never be overlooked .
- Neutral fans called for peace urging both sides to appreciate the song as a collaborative success that transformed the global view of African music .
- Memes quotes and think pieces dominated X and Instagram throughout the day turning the statement into a cultural moment .
The Importance of Credit in the Music Industry
The drama surrounding Tems comment highlights a deeper issue in the music industry proper recognition for creative contributions .
In many cases songwriters and composers remain behind the scenes while performers receive the glory Tems reminder serves as a wake up call to give equal acknowledgment to all creators involved in a project success .
As the Nigerian music industry continues to expand globally the need for transparent crediting and royalties becomes more critical than ever Artists like Tems are helping redefine the conversation about ownership contribution and respect within the creative process .
Tems Legacy and the Power of Authenticity
Despite the controversy Tems remains one of Africa most respected musical exports From her breakout single Try Me to her contributions to Beyonce Renaissance album and her own Grammy win she has built a reputation for authenticity and artistry .
Her bold statement about Essence may have sparked debate but it also reinforces her role as an unapologetic voice for creators who demand fair acknowledgment In an industry where women are often under credited Tems confidence resonates with a new generation of artists and fans alike .
Conclusion
Tems viral statement has once again placed her at the center of Nigeria entertainment discourse Whether seen as a clapback or a reminder her words have reignited discussions about respect recognition and the unseen labor that powers global hits like Essence .
One thing remains certain Essence will forever stand as a cultural milestone a product of collaboration talent and the shared brilliance of both Tems and Wizkid But as Tems rightly points out remembering who wrote it is just as important as celebrating who sang it .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets .