Wizkid’s 'Essence' Didn't Give Me My Big Break - Tems Sets the Record Straight

 

Tems 

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Tems stirs up debate by downplaying the impact of Wizkid's hit song "Essence" on her career, instead claiming that an earlier collaboration opportunity with Beyoncé gave her a more significant career booster.

Tems says people praise Wizkid's song "Essence" for changing her life, but she got an opportunity from Beyoncé's team before the song was even released.

In a recent discussion, Tems acknowledged the widespread praise for "Essence," a 2020 track featuring her vocals, which many fans and industry figures credit with transforming lives and elevating Afrobeats globally. The song, from Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album, became a cultural phenomenon, peaking at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning a Grammy nomination.

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Tems said she was already making progress in her career before "Essence" became popular. She even got a collaboration opportunity with Beyoncé before "Essence" dropped.

Tems credits Beyoncé's collaboration as a bigger career boost than "Essence." Working with Beyoncé on "The Lion King: The Gift" album in 2019 introduced her to a global audience. While "Essence" was a hit, Tems believes Beyoncé's influence had a greater impact on her career.