Among those weighing in is Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, who publicly praised the record while questioning why it failed to secure a Grammy Award.
Reacting on X to viral clips from the festival, Onanuga expressed admiration for the song’s enduring appeal, writing: “Still wondering why Essence did not win a Grammy. Great song, great rhythm!”
The renewed attention followed a standout moment at Coachella, where Wizkid and Tems joined Justin Bieber on stage to perform the remix of “Essence,” drawing a strong crowd reaction and further cementing the track’s global appeal.
Originally released in 2020, “Essence” became a defining record for the international rise of Afrobeats. Its remix featuring Bieber expanded its reach even further, propelling the song into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number nine—an unprecedented feat for a Nigerian-led track at the time.
Years after its release, the song continues to resonate across audiences, with its Coachella revival serving as a reminder of both its cultural significance and the ongoing debate about recognition for African music on global award stages.