Nigerian superstars Wizkid and Tems have secured the #22 spot on Rolling Stone’s prestigious list of the 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century So Far for their 2020 global hit “Essence.”
The song from Wizkid’s album “Made in Lagos” is described as a sultry blend of Afrobeats, Afro-pop, and R&B. “Essence” became a cultural phenomenon, introducing Afrobeats to mainstream global audiences and earning multiple award nominations including a Grammy nod for Best Global Music Performance.
Tems appeared twice on the Rolling Stone list, also earning recognition at #232 for her solo track “Free Mind.” Other Nigerian artists featured include Davido’s “Unavailable” at #243, Rema’s “Woman” at #228, and Burna Boy making the prestigious compilation.
The recognition cements “Essence” as one of the most influential songs of the 21st century, with its smooth production and infectious melody helping Afrobeats achieve unprecedented global recognition. Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On” topped the list at #1.
