Wizkid and Tems appeared on “The Tonight Show” starring Jimmy Fallon on December 7 to perform their lethal single “Essence”. Because international travel is restricted in some countries at the moment, the artists took to a stage far from New York City, where Fallon’s studio performances usually unfold.
Instead, the two sang their collaboration “Essence” in an empty stadium on a stage built atop a long runway, decorated with tall screens and cool-toned lighting. As the two walked out dressed head-to-toe in suave attire, Wizkid dropped his oversized black fur coat to reveal a matching latex-looking set, and Tems showed off a printed bodysuit with a black corset overtop.
Complete with sultry dance moves and stellar vocal performances, their live rendition of the summer smash was just as raw and amusing as the recorded track.
“Essence” come off Wizkid’s recent fourth album “Made In Lagos”. On the album, He invokes a strong continental impulse across 14 tracks. With melody at the heart of his sonics, he enlists Burna Boy, Ella Mai, H.E.R., Damian Marley and more to capture the rhythmic essence of Afrofusion. Made In Lagos is rooted in Africa—with instrumentation, lingo and vibes inspired by Wiz’s Nigerian origins—and offers worldwide appeal.
The deluxe edition was released on 27 August 2021. It features additional guest appearances from Buju and Justin Bieber. In support of the album, Wizkid embarked on the Made in Lagos Tour (2021–2022). The album received a nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Album.
On December 6, Wizkid’s global-pop sunshine was affirmed after the song “Essence” was named the Rolling Stone’s best song of 2021. On it, the Nigerian singer, one of the most popular pop artists in Africa, embraced one of his country’s newest talents. Their performances are distinct yet seamless, joining together over a melange of Nineties American R&B, U.K. Afroswing, and percussive Nigerian Afrobeats.
The list of 2021’s best songs includes a beautiful indie-pop celebration of queer love, a reggaeton star tucking into some sweet Eighties synths, a self-celebrating pop-rap smash that scandalized the American right, a Lorde track that sounds like it could’ve been a Nineties U.K. club hit, and unforgettable anthems that pushed the boundaries of K-pop, rock, and country.
“Essence” hit the top of several U.S. charts in 2021 after it got a Justin Bieber remix this summer, but its reach was wide well before. “I want everyone to understand [the song],” said P2J, one of its producers, “but still understand the essence of the music is from Africa.” The result was a sound of status and place coalescing without the loss of identity. —M.C.
“If the world can pay attention to one artist from Africa, why can’t they pay attention to all?” the Nigerian Afrobeats star says in an interview for Rolling Stone‘s new Grammy Preview.
