It became the first Nigerian song in history to chart on both the Billboard Hot 100 and Global 200.
"Essence" by Nigerian superstar featuring the breakout soulful vocals of Tems is a landmark global hit from the 2020 album Made in Lagos . Often dubbed the "Song of the Summer" in 2021, it is a sultry blend of Afrobeats, Afro-pop, and R&B. Musical Impact and Achievements Wizkid - Essence ft. Tems
The track is celebrated for its stripped-back, multi-layered production by P2J and Legendury Beatz, which emphasizes a moody, intimate vibe. It became the first Nigerian song in history
The song has sold over 5 million units in the U.S., earning it a 5x Platinum certification from the RIAA. Musical Impact and Achievements The track is celebrated
Rolling Stone ranked "Essence" as the #1 song of 2021 and later included it as the #22 greatest song of the 21st century .
The song's success is largely attributed to the organic chemistry between the two artists: