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 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.”
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.
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.
