Coachella 2026 marked a major return for Justin Bieber. It was his first major performance in years, following a long stretch away from touring and public view. The set moved between low-key, pared-back sections and fuller arrangements, before shifting when Wizkid and Tems joined him on stage.

Coverage from Vogue, The Guardian and Pitchfork points to a performance built around Bieber’s newer material, with a noticeably scaled-back production compared to the usual Coachella headline sets. It gave the show a slower pace, and at times, the energy dipped.

Photo: Instagram

That changed midway through. When Wizkid and Tems came out, the energy lifted straight away. They appeared without a long introduction or elaborate staging. It tied back to “Essence (Remix),” the track that connected all three artists and helped push Afrobeats further into mainstream Western pop.

On stage, the performance relied on vocals and live crowd response, without choreography or heavy visual effects. It worked. The reaction was immediate and consistent, cutting through the slower parts of the set.

Photo: Instagram

Earlier moments in Bieber’s set had felt held back. Bringing Wizkid and Tems in shifted that. The crowd leaned into familiar rhythms, and the atmosphere followed. It did not just raise the energy; it opened the set up, making it feel less contained and more connected to the global sound Coachella has been leaning into.

The festival has widened its international mix in recent years, and this moment carried more weight. Tems, coming off a strong run internationally, and Wizkid, whose music continues to travel across markets, were not treated as add-ons. They held their space comfortably on the same stage.

Photo: Instagram

Bieber stayed within the performance rather than redirecting attention to himself. That choice made the segment feel more natural and, ultimately, more effective.

By the end of the set, reactions were mixed. Some saw a careful return, others expected more from a headline slot. But the segment with Wizkid and Tems was the most consistent part of the set. It was the most settled part of the performance, where everything aligned without effort.

Not because it was bigger, but because it felt right.

The announcement that SiR will perform at Once Upon a Time in Joburg on May 23, 2026 shows the growing reach of South Africa’s R&B scene. His vocals and exceptional storywriting make him a fitting addition to the event.

“Once Upon a Time in Joburg” is a festival that attracts audiences that value musical depth and live performance. The platform, organised by Doctor Bird Productions, has previously hosted international acts like Xavier Omar, GoldLink and Sasha Keable.

Photo : Instagram

SiR is a key figure associated with Top Dawg Entertainment, the same label that houses artists like Kendrick Lamar and SZA. He has  albums like Chasing Summer, Seven Sundays and Heavy. His music is a combination of neo-soul, hip-hop, and classic R&B elements.

The Johannesburg event takes place at venues like Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia. Past editions have run as full-day experiences, combining live performances with DJ sets. This structure has local talent alongside international names, with artists such as Langa Mavuso and Filah Lah Lah previously playing on stage.

Photo: Instagram

Read Also: Ella Mai Headlines First-Ever South Africa Show Amid Star-Studded Lineup

When artists like SiR perform in Johannesburg, the reception becomes a shared life experience where fans sing along to popular tracks. That level of engagement is part of what has made “Once Upon a Time in Joburg” stand out.

Full lineup details are not yet released. SiR’s live performances are recognised for vocal clarity, which could translate well in the event’s intimate setting. This could be a night where the audience will enjoy the best of Neo-soul and R&B.

The reported fallout between Babygirlzae and Emtee’s label has shifted from a standard label exit into a public dispute, marked by conflicting statements, social media claims and speculation about personal relationships influencing the situation.

Initial reports circulating across entertainment platforms indicated that Babygirlzae was no longer affiliated with Emtee Records. A statement attributed to the label confirmed the separation, stating a break between the artist and the label. The announcement was quickly picked up across local music pages, adding to the visibility of the situation.

Babygirlzae – Instagram

However, the situation became contested when Babygirlzae publicly pushed back. In responses shared online, she denied leaving the label voluntarily and questioned the authenticity of the announcement. According to her, the statement may not have come directly from official management, and she questioned who issued it. Her response introduced uncertainty around the initial claim of her exit.

What has drawn more attention is Babygirlzae’s claim that issues involving Emtee’s wife played a role in the breakdown. While details remain unverified, the allegation has continued to circulate, as it moves the focus from a professional disagreement to a personal conflict affecting the situation. The claim has contributed to wider discussion on social media, where opinions remain divided.

Emtee – Instagram

This claim has not been formally addressed by Emtee or his team. Emtee founded Emtee Records after leaving Ambitiouz Entertainment. Since then, the label has operated independently, working with a small roster of artists.

On one side, there is a statement announcing Babygirlzae’s exit. On the other, the artist insists she remains part of the label and suggests external interference. The lack of a clear follow-up has kept the situation open to interpretation.

At this stage, Babygirlzae’s status within Emtee Records remains unclear. Without a confirmed follow-up statement from the label or its founder, the situation remains unresolved.