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The Nigerian Presidency has joined the growing conversation around the global impact of Essence, the hit song by Wizkid featuring Tems, following its spotlight moment at the 2026 edition of Coachella.
The renewed attention came after viral clips surfaced online showing Wizkid and Tems sharing the stage with Canadian pop star Justin Bieber during a live performance of the Essence remix at the globally renowned festival in California.
Reacting to the moment, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga, took to social media to express admiration for the song and question its past awards outcome.
“Still wondering why Essence did not win a Grammy. Great song, great rhythm!” he wrote.
Originally released on October 30, 2020, Essence was part of Wizkid’s critically acclaimed album Made in Lagos. Produced by Legendury Beatz and P2J, the track quickly gained traction both locally and internationally, eventually becoming one of the biggest Afrobeats exports in recent years.
The song played a pivotal role in elevating the global presence of Afrobeats, while also serving as a breakthrough moment for Tems, who gained widespread recognition for her contribution to the track.
Its success was further amplified with the release of the remix featuring Justin Bieber in August 2021. The collaboration expanded the song’s reach to a broader global audience and helped it achieve major milestones on international charts.
Notably, the remix version became the first Nigerian song to break into the top 10 of the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number nine—an achievement widely regarded as a landmark moment for African music on the global stage.
In addition, the original version of Essence made history by becoming the first Nigerian track to chart on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200, further cementing its status as a cultural and commercial success.
Years after its release, the song continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, with its Coachella performance serving as a reminder of its lasting influence and timeless appeal.
The Presidency’s reaction adds to the ongoing recognition of Essence as not just a hit record, but a defining moment in the global rise of Nigerian music.
#Wizkid
#Tems
#NollywoodTimes
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