Wizkid’s single “Essence,” which features vocalist Tems, was released in April but is arguably the song of the summer. Take one scroll through Instagram or Twitter, and the track is most likely playing in the background of a post. Not to mention, it’s been played by many of the DJs who are happy to be out of quarantine. All of the streams and radio plays have resulted in the song’s official entry into the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Per Billboard, the Afrobeats hit debuted at No. 82 on the music chart, becoming Wizkid’s first time on the chart for his own record.
“I feel blessed to make music that touches people,” he told Billboard in a statement. “Big shoutout to all the fans and good music lovers everywhere.”
Tems expressed her gratitude to Wizkid for allowing her to hop on the track and their fans, who helped them achieve this accomplishment. “I’m blessed to have Wiz, and I’m extremely grateful to God and all the supporters worldwide,” she said. “This is a moment I don’t take for granted.”
“Essence” is Tems’ first Hot 100 hit, but Wizkid is a little more familiar with the chart. He made his debut in 2016 after appearing alongside Kyla and Drake on the hit record “One Dance,” which stayed atop the charts for 16 weeks. His second time on the list followed his 2019 collaboration with Beyoncé, Blue Ivy Carter and Saint JHN on “Brown Skin Girl,” which peaked at No. 76. After a two-year absence, he’s officially back on the charts.
“Essence” is one of the 14 tracks on Made In Lagos, Wizkid’s fourth studio album, which dropped in October 2020. Aside from Tems, other features on the project include Damien Marley, Ella Mai, H.E.R., Burna Boy, Skepta, Terri, Tay Iwarr and Projexx.