Lagos, Nigeria, became the epicenter of Afrobeats on Monday, December 23, as three of the genre’s brightest stars—Tyla, Tems, and Ayra Starr—were spotted together at OBI’S HOUSE. The trio’s radiant camaraderie and shared energy lit up the night, quickly turning into a viral social media moment.
A Night to Remember
The event followed a monumental day for the artists. Earlier, Tyla performed her hit “Jump” alongside Gunna at Flytime Fest, captivating the crowd with her dynamic energy. Later, she joined Tems, fresh off her acclaimed Born in the Wild Tour, and Ayra Starr for an evening of celebration.
A viral clip from the gathering captured the trio dancing together, exuding joy and unity. Fans on social media were thrilled to see the three stars coming together, with many calling for a collaboration.
- “It’s amazing to see Tyla, Ayra, and Tems hanging out, supporting each other, and ignoring the internet’s attempts to create rivalry,” one Twitter user wrote.
- Another fan posted, “Every video of Tyla, Tems, and Ayra is giving life!”
A Stellar Year for Afrobeats
The gathering marked the culmination of a remarkable year for Tyla, Tems, Ayra Starr, and the Afrobeats genre itself.
- Ayra Starr cemented her status as a global star with The Year I Turned 21, released in May. The project featured standout tracks like “Last Heartbreak Song” with Giveon and “Commas.” Collaborations with Asake, Coco Jones, and Anitta further showcased her versatility and appeal.
- Tems made waves with her June debut album, Born in the Wild, which highlighted her introspective songwriting and artistry. The album included contributions from J. Cole (“Free Fall”) and Asake (“Get It Right”), alongside modern takes on classics like Seyi Sodimu’s “Love Me JeJe.”
- Tyla continued her meteoric rise, releasing a deluxe version of her self-titled album in October. Featuring hits like TikTok sensation “PUSH 2 START,” “BACK to YOU,” and “SHAKE AH,” she solidified her global reach with collaborations from Tony Duardo and Optimist Music ZA. Tyla’s debut of “PUSH 2 START” at the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show further underscored her international appeal.
Tyla and Tems: A Special Bond
Interestingly, Tyla’s original TYLA album marked her first collaboration with Tems on the track “No. 1,” which was praised for its emotive depth. Reflecting on Tems’ influence, Tyla shared in an NPR interview, “She’s the blueprint for our generation. She’s been breaking barriers and creating opportunities for so many of us.”
Unity Driving Afrobeats Forward
This unexpected reunion in Lagos underscores the collaborative spirit and unity that continues to propel Afrobeats onto the global stage. With artists like Tyla, Tems, and Ayra Starr leading the charge, the genre’s future shines brighter than ever. Fans are eagerly awaiting what this powerhouse trio might bring next—whether through individual projects or a long-hoped-for collaboration.
