Wizkid: I tapped Tems for ‘Essence’ because I like working with new artistes

Wizkid says he tapped Tems for ‘Essence’, his hit single, because he loves connecting with new artistes.

‘Essence’ is the 11th track of ‘Made In Lagos’ (MIL), Wizkid’s fourth album, which was released in October 2020.

The track has enjoyed widespread acceptance across the globe, with prominent entertainers dancing to its rhythm.

In his GQ Magazine feature, Wizkid was quizzed on why he partnered “a rising star” for the chart-topping song.

“You know, I’ve known Tems…I can’t even actually remember how we met, but I know I brought her out for one of my shows in Lagos. We had talked about working and I went back home to record,” the singer replied.

“When I record at home, it’s like I have a crazy situation. I’ll be in a room with like 8, 10 producers, everyone’s got their rooms and we’re just making music. She came through to the hotel and we laid down the idea.

“It was just effortless. Just lay down the melodies, and she didn’t even think anything of it. She felt like we had to do another record, but I already knew we had magic.

“I love meeting new artistes. When I’m in a room with a new artiste, it feels like, Oh, my God. It feels like I’m right there when the magic is just about to take off and take form. It’s so exciting to me.

“When I get in the room with a new artist, it’s like you’re learning from me, I’m learning from you. I even get more excited about getting in the room with new artists than my peers or my friends that I know. I can’t explain it.”

In July, ‘Essence’ became the first Nigerian song to crack the Billboard Hot 100 as well as the third from Africa.

After four weeks, ‘Essence’ would record another leap, climbing by 23 spots on the Hot 100 to hit 59th place.

In a surprise move, Wizkid had released a remix to the global hit, featuring Justin Bieber, Canadian pop star.

The sales for the initial single were subsequently merged with those of the remix, seeing them chart as one song.

As of Wednesday, ‘Essence’ had risen to 16th place from 44 on week 6, having spent two months on the chart.