In a remarkable feat for Nigerian music, internationally acclaimed artistes Wizkid and Tems have earned a prestigious spot on Rolling Stone’s updated list of the 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century (So Far).
Their 2020 hit single, “Essence”, was ranked at number 22, placing it among the most celebrated musical works of the modern era.
The updated Rolling Stone list, released on October 17, 2025, celebrates songs that have shaped global pop culture since the year 2000. The editorial panel included over 100 music critics, producers, and cultural historians, making the ranking one of the most influential in modern music journalism.
“Essence” standing at #22 places it ahead of several international classics, including songs by Adele, Kanye West, and Lady Gaga — a testament to how far Nigerian music has traveled on the global soundscape.
The song, which originally appeared on Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album, is a rich fusion of Afrobeats, Afro-pop, and R&B. It features Tems’ soulful and distinctive vocals, particularly on the memorable chorus, “You don’t need no other body.”
Nigerian music executive Bizzle Osikoya congratulated Wizkid and Tems in a post on X (formerly Twitter), calling the recognition “a global validation of the Afrobeats sound that started from Lagos streets.”
Wizkid also reacted subtly, posting on his Instagram Story: “Big energy. Made in Lagos forever.”
Tems reposted the Rolling Stone feature with the caption, “To every African woman dreaming big – keep going.”
Rolling Stone described the track as “bewitching, shimmering, and impossibly soulful,” praising its tropical bass and emotive delivery.
Beyond its critical acclaim, “Essence” has achieved several historic milestones. It became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and later broke into the Top 10 — a first for any African song.
The track also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards and won Best Collaboration at the 2022 BET Awards following a remix featuring Canadian pop star Justin Bieber.
In 2023, “Essence” made history again by becoming the first African song to win the iHeartRadio Titanium Award, having surpassed one billion spins across U.S. radio stations. It also took home Song of the Year at the 15th Headies Awards, further cementing its legacy in Nigerian music.
Other Nigerian artistes featured on Rolling Stone’s list include Burna Boy’s “Last Last” (#95), Rema’s “Woman” (#228), Tems’ “Free Mind” (#232), and Davido’s “Unavailable” featuring Musa Keys (#243), underscoring the growing global influence of Afrobeats and contemporary Nigerian music.
“Essence” has been widely credited with redefining Afrobeats for international audiences, blending local rhythm with global pop polish. Cultural critics often refer to it as the “soundtrack of the post-pandemic summer,” particularly in 2021 when it dominated playlists in the U.S., UK, and Caribbean markets.
The success of the song also helped pave the way for other Nigerian stars to penetrate the U.S. mainstream, from Burna Boy’s Grammy win to Rema’s record-breaking run with “Calm Down.”
This recognition by Rolling Stone not only celebrates the artistry of Wizkid and Tems but also marks a significant moment for African music on the world stage.
Editorial Note: This article is part of GossipXpress’ “Global Beats” series spotlighting African artists making waves on the international stage.
Reference Links:
Rolling Stone – 250 Greatest Songs of the 21st Century (So Far)
Billboard – Wizkid and Tems Make History with “Essence”
