Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and one of Africa’s biggest music stars. He gained international recognition with his 2010 hit Holla at Your Boy.
Known for his Afrobeat and reggae-influenced sound, Wizkid has won multiple awards, including a Grammy Award.
With numerous chart-topping hits, he has become a key figure in bringing Afrobeat music to the international stage.
About the Song
Essence by Wizkid is a smooth Afrobeat track featuring Tems. The song became widely popular for its catchy rhythm and smooth vocals, blending elements of Afrobeat and R&B.
It received global praise and has been a summer anthem. The collaboration between Wizkid and Tems resonated with many, becoming a staple on streaming platforms
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Released | October 30, 2020 |
| Album | Made In Lagos (Deluxe) (2021) |
| Writers | Wizkid, Tems, MUT4Y, Uzezi Oniko and P2J |
| Producers | P2J and Legendury Beatz |
Complete Lyrics of Essence
Intro: Wizkid
Oh-na-na, omo je ka shi ge ge, woah
Oh-na-na, omo ge wa j’ogede
Oh-na-na, girl, I no go let you go
Oh-na-na, omo je ka shi ge ge, woah
Verse 1: Tems
Say I wanna leave you in the mornin’, but I need you now, yeah, yeah
I find you, I give you all you’re needing, I know you what you like
I feel it comin’, time is of the essence
I tried to teach you, but I need some lessons
I need to give it all, I tried to leave, but I can’t
I don’t know why you’re the one, turn me out of my mind
Chorus: Tems
You don’t need no other body
You don’t need no other body
Only you fi hold my body
Only you fi hold my body
You don’t need no other body
Verse 2: Wizkid
Say na me dey mess up your mind
And na me dey make you free up your mind
Say your body talk to me nice
Say na my love, you dey need for your life
Yeah our love no be lie
See yeah we dey together yeah day and night
Yeah if I leave you go kpai
Yeah if you leave I go kpai (Oh, oh woah)
I’m stroking your body, baby, loving your body, baby
As you’re whinin’ your body, baby, so crazy
Lovin’ your body, baby, gyal iwo ni temi
I just wanna let you know, oh, woah, hope every day that I dey by you
Chorus: Tems
You don’t need no other body
You don’t need no other body
Only you fi hold my body
Only you fi hold my body
You don’t need no other body
Bridge: Tems & Wizkid
Baby, baby, everybody used to say
No one loves you like this, no one wants you the same way
Love ’til the mornin’, my head wan’ to turn from your lovin’
I just wanna get you beside me (Woah, woah, woah, woah)
Gave you all you need, gave you all you need
Gave you all, you give me all you need, give you all you need, gave you all
Make ah give you all you need, every touch you need, give you all
Make ah give you all you need, baby, yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah
Chorus: Tems & Wizkid
You don’t need no other body
You don’t need no other body (Woah, woah, woah)
Only you fi hold my body
Only you fi hold my body (Yeah-yeah, yeah-yeah)
You don’t need no other body
Outro: Wizkid
Baby girl, I want you there, girl I want you there
Promise to treat your love fair, woah-woah, woah-woah
When we touch, how we connect, woah-woah, woah-woah
Said this love, have no regret, woah-woah, yeah-yeah
Reviews of Essence by Wizkid
These are the reviews for the song Essence by Wizkid from people, critics, and music platform:
- Billboard’s Recognition: Essence was nominated for Best Global Music Performance at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, marking a significant achievement for Nigerian music on the global stage.
- Cultural Impact: The song was named the number one song in the U.S. Afrobeats Songs category for 2022 by Billboard, underscoring its widespread appeal and influence.
- Celebrity Endorsements: Essence gained traction in the American music scene after celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Kylie Jenner shared videos of themselves enjoying the track.
- Critical Reception: The song received mixed reviews, with some listeners praising its blend of Afrobeat and R&B, while others felt the remix featuring Justin Bieber altered its original charm.
- Performance at Coachella 2024: Wizkid, Tems, and Justin Bieber delivered a surprise performance of Essence at Coachella 2024, delighting fans and showcasing the song’s enduring popularity.
- Commercial Success: Essence achieved 4X Platinum status in the United States, marking a significant milestone in the international recognition of Afrobeats music.
Similar Songs Like Essence
If you love the silky Afrobeat-R&B fusion of Essence, these tracks bring that same vibe with unique touches from some of Africa’s finest artists:
- 2 Sugar (feat. Ayra Starr): This mellow Afrobeat track with soulful vocals reflects Essence’s smooth blend of Afrobeat and R&B.
- Ginger (feat. Burna Boy): Combines Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary sounds, creating a catchy tune that appeals to a global audience.
- Smile (feat. H.E.R.): A feel-good track that highlights Wizkid’s versatility, blending positive messages with smooth Afrobeat rhythms.
- Joro: Showcases Wizkid’s mastery of Afrobeat rhythms and melodic prowess, featuring a hypnotic beat and smooth, catchy melody.
Similar Artists Like Wizkid
These artists share Wizkid’s Afrobeat roots, global appeal, and genre-blending styles that keep the rhythm smooth and the vibe unforgettable.:
- Burna Boy
Genres: Afrobeat, Dancehall, Reggae
Top Albums: African Giant (2019), Twice as Tall (2020), On a Spaceship (2015) - Davido
Genres: Afrobeat, R&B, Pop
Top Albums: A Good Time (2019), Omo Baba Olowo (2012), A Better Time (2020) - Maleek Berry
Genres: Afrobeat, R&B, Pop
Top Albums: First Daze of Winter (2016), Isolation Room (2019) - Mr Eazi
Genres: Afrobeat, Dancehall, Pop
Top Albums: Life Is Eazi, Vol. 1 – Accra To Lagos (2017), Life Is Eazi, Vol. 2 – Lagos To London (2018) - Olamide
Genres: Afrobeat, Hip-hop, Trap
Top Albums: Rapsodi (2011), YBNL (2012), Carpe Diem (2020)
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Essence Stand Out Among Afrobeat Songs?
Essence stands out with its smooth blend of Afrobeat rhythms, R&B influences, and soulful performances by Wizkid, Tems, and Justin Bieber, making it a global hit.
How did Wizkid and Tems Contribute to Essence?
Wizkid brought his Afrobeat influence, Tems added her soulful touch, and Justin Bieber’s feature elevated the track, blending genres seamlessly for international appeal.
When did Wizkid Start His Music Career?
He began professionally around 2009 when he signed with Empire Mates Entertainment (EME).
