Nigerian rapper Emeka Akumefule, popularly known as Blaqbonez, credits Wizkid’s song ‘Essence’ for propelling Afrobeats into the global spotlight.
According to him, the genre witnessed a surge in popularity following the release of ‘Essence’ featuring Tems in 2020.
In a recent interview with American outlet KTLA, Blaqbonez expressed, “Afrobeats took a significant leap when Wizkid dropped Essence, and it became a sensation. It showcased to the world that Afrobeats is a force to be reckoned with. Remarkable developments are unfolding for Afrobeats, with more talented artists emerging.”
It’s worth noting that Wizkid had previously distanced himself from being labelled solely as an Afrobeats artist, preferring not to be confined to a specific genre. Wizkid’s team has also characterised ‘Essence’ as an R&B track.
Blaqbonez’s recognition of ‘Essence’ underscores the genre’s growing influence on the international music scene.
Read: Wole Soyinka’s Memoir ‘The Man Died’ to Hit Screens as Feature Film in July
About The Author
