Temilayo Abodunrin Performs With Wyclef Jean In Lagos, Calls Moment “A Dream Come True”

Nigerian teenage saxophonist Temilayo Abodunrin shared the stage with Grammy Award-winning musician Wyclef Jean in Lagos over the weekend, marking a major highlight in her blossoming music career. The performance took place during the E1 Lagos GP Electric Powerboat Race event, hosted at the Eko Hotel rooftop, where Temilayo thrilled guests with her signature saxophone melodies.

In a heartfelt post shared on her Instagram page, Temilayo expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to perform alongside the global music legend. “This moment meant so much to me,” she wrote. “@wyclefjean, thank you for this opportunity to play my saxophone and entertain the audience with you. It feels like a dream. After learning about the full scope of his career and his immense impact, the weight of this moment became even clearer. This is a tremendous privilege and a defining highlight in my musical journey.”

The young prodigy also thanked the event organizers, noting how unforgettable the experience was. “Thank you so much, Eko Hotels, for having me entertain the E1 family and guests during the dinner. It was an amazing evening,” she said. Temilayo added that she was excited to have met football legend Didier Drogba, who was also in attendance at the event.

Temilayo, born on November 19, 2009, is already recognized as one of Nigeria’s most talented young instrumentalists. Hailing from Offa in Kwara State, she began playing the saxophone at the age of six after developing an interest in music at Parara Music School. Her viral saxophone renditions of popular songs such as Duduke by Simi and Jowo by Davido earned her widespread acclaim.

In 2020, Temilayo released her debut single Ayo, featuring Grammy-nominated music executive Bankulli and renowned producer RotimiKeys, with a cameo appearance by the Ooni of Ife. She has also performed alongside notable Nigerian artists, including Johnny Drille, Tope Alabi, and Wole Oni.

Temilayo’s collaboration with Wyclef Jean — a celebrated Haitian-American musician known for his work with The Fugees and solo hits such as Gone Till November and 911 — adds another milestone to her growing list of accomplishments. Her performance during the Lagos E1GP, Africa’s first-ever electric powerboat race, showcased not just her musical talent but also Nigeria’s rising profile in hosting international cultural and sporting events.

Fans and well-wishers have since flooded social media with congratulatory messages, praising the young saxophonist’s artistry and humility. “This is what I call music,” one commenter wrote. “Wyclef is a legend, and Temilayo brought the jazz energy that made the performance unforgettable.”

As Temilayo continues to hone her craft, her recent performance with Wyclef Jean stands as a shining example of the new generation of Nigerian artists making their mark on the global stage — with passion, poise, and pure talent.