Nigerian global superstars Wizkid and Tems have added yet another accolade to their growing list of international achievements, as their groundbreaking hit “Essence” has officially been certified 3× Platinum in New Zealand.
According to a recent update from Recorded Music NZ, the chart-topping track reached this milestone on July 17, 2025, signifying over 60,000 units sold in the country.
Originally released in 2020 as part of Wizkid’s acclaimed Made in Lagos album, Essence continues to make waves across the globe nearly five years after its debut.
Widely dubbed the “song of the summer” in 2021, Essence earned critical and commercial acclaim for its lush production, soulful vocals, and the seamless blend of Afrobeats and R&B.
The song made history as the first Nigerian Afrobeats track to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, later receiving a remix featuring Justin Bieber, which further amplified its global reach.
This latest certification underscores the track’s enduring popularity and cultural impact, especially in non-traditional Afrobeats markets like New Zealand.
It also reflects the global resonance of Wizkid and Tems’ artistry, whose collaborative synergy has helped elevate Afrobeats to a new level of international recognition.
With Essence continuing to rake in accolades worldwide, Wizkid and Tems have once again solidified their positions as two of Africa’s most influential music exports.
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