Arthur Greene
Nigerian superstar Wizkid cemented his place as one of the globe’s most influential musical artists this week as his hit “Essence” topped the Rolling Stone’s list of the best songs of the year.
The song, which features up-and-coming Nigerian singer Tems, is an infusion of Afrobeats and R&B. It is the first Afrobeats song to top the prestigious list, which has been published every year since 1949.
The hit track’s themes of love and intimacy resonated with people across the planet. We were at the tail end of another global wave of coronavirus and longing was an emotion which millions could relate to as we emerged from lockdown.
And indeed the track was conceived at the height of Nigeria’s third wave of Covid-19. Wizkid was waiting it out at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, and had gathered around him the country’s top talents in the Afrobeats scene.
It’s in that hotel-come-creative community that Wizkid completed his hit album, Made in Lagos.
Producers Legendury Beatz and P2J worked on the beat of “Essence”. Later Tems joined up with the creatives, bringing the vocals which have been feverishly loved all over the world.
Reflecting on the recording, Wizkid told Rolling Stone, “She’s got an amazing voice. Everything is special about Tems. Everything.”
