Presidency Questions Grammy Snub of Wizkid's Essence After Coachella Performance
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, has openly questioned the Grammy Awards' decision to overlook Wizkid's hit song Essence. This comes after a viral reunion performance at Coachella 2026, where Wizkid and Tems joined Justin Bieber on stage, reigniting global interest in the track.
Onanuga's Social Media Post Sparks Debate
Onanuga took to X to express his admiration for Essence, writing, "Still wondering why Essence did not win a Grammy. Great song, great rhythm!" His post has drawn mixed reactions from social media users, with some praising the song's cultural impact and others criticizing the focus on entertainment over pressing national issues like poverty and security.
The performance at Coachella 2026 saw Wizkid and Tems surprise the audience by joining Justin Bieber for a rendition of the Essence remix, which originally dominated charts in 2020. The song remains Nigeria's highest-charting track on the US Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number nine.
Cultural Impact of Essence
Released in 2020, Essence quickly became a global phenomenon, credited with introducing Afrobeats to a wider international audience. Its smooth rhythm and Tems' vocals helped it break into markets worldwide, with the remix featuring Justin Bieber further boosting its popularity.
Onanuga's comments have reignited discussions about the song's enduring influence and the criteria used by award bodies like the Grammys. However, the debate has also highlighted broader concerns, as some Nigerians question the presidency's priorities amid ongoing challenges in the country.
Social Media Reactions
Reactions to Onanuga's post varied widely:
- @MichaelOlaoye27 expressed frustration, noting issues like hunger and poverty in Nigeria.
- @Eduks01 criticized the focus on entertainment over more important national matters.
- @haryour1120 questioned the essence of the administration's performance in governance.
This incident underscores the intersection of entertainment and politics in Nigeria, where celebrity achievements often spark public discourse on national identity and priorities.
