The NBA tapped up some of our artists to headline the Halftime Show at the All-Star game. It’s a big achievement for the artists and, by extension, the country Nigeria, as it proves our ability to export great talents. Tems, Burna Boy, and Rema are the names who will be on everyone’s lips leading up to the show. If you don’t know who they are, this is a great place to learn more.

Tems, born Temilade Openiyi, claimed hearts when she released “Looku Looku” in 2019. Formerly working a 9-5 job, she decided to take a leap of faith to chase her real passion. She would perform at 90s Baby shows to get the word of her music out to the public and gained buzz with “Mr. Rebel”, slowly growing a fanbase although a niche one. Her breakout single, “Try Me” dropped in 2019 and everything changed for the “Damages” singer.

Before long, Tems was especially coveted by the alternative community in Lagos. Her spark lit up songs like DRB’s “Trouble”, Blackmagic’s “Soon” and everything else she could lay her hands on. She has since released two EPs, For Broken Ears and If Orange Was A Place. That was before gaining the attention of global superstars both at home and abroad. Her effort on Wizkid’s “Essence” elevated the record to the level that it is right now. It became a global hit, so huge that Justin Bieber thought it necessary to jump on the record which only expanded it more.

The whole country stood up and took notice when Drake announced that she was on his 2021 album, Certified Lover Boy. As if “Fountains” was not enough, Beyoncé thought it necessary to seek her touch for “MOVE” off Act 1: Renaissance. Future sampled her performance of “Higher” for the Drake-assisted “WAIT FOR U”, which made Tems the latest Nigerian Grammy winner for Best Melodic Rap Performance.

Despite her reclusive personality, Tems lights up a room. She linked up with Adele for dinner and Adele sang back “Try Me” to her. Rihanna encouraged her to own her superstardom and not hide in the spotlight. A prestigious platform like the NBA All-Star Halftime Show is the perfect platform for her to strut her stuff.