Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has publicly celebrated Wizkid and Tems’ timeless hit “Essence” following its resurgence at Coachella 2026.
In a widely circulated post on X, Onanuga wrote: “Still wondering why Essence did not win a Grammy. Great song, great rhythm!” His comment was in reaction to viral videos from the California desert festival where Wizkid and Tems joined global pop star Justin Bieber on stage to perform the popular “Essence” remix during Bieber’s headlining set.
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The surprise collaboration, which took place over the weekend, has generated massive excitement online, with clips racking up millions of views within hours. The 2020 Afrobeats anthem, originally from Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album and featuring Tems, gained worldwide acclaim especially after its remix with Bieber, becoming one of the songs that pushed Afrobeats into mainstream global consciousness.
Onanuga’s endorsement reflects the Nigerian government’s pride in the country’s musical exports.
The Coachella moment has further cemented Wizkid and Tems’ positions as international superstars further highlighting the growing influence of Nigerian music on the world stage.
