A fresh debate has been sparked around Afrobeats recognition after Nigeria’s presidency weighed in on Wizkid’s long-standing Grammy snub reigniting conversations following his recent Coachella performance.
The discussion gained momentum after Wizkid and Tems joined Justin Bieber on stage at Coachella 2026, delivering a performance of Essence that once again reminded fans of the song’s global impact. The moment quickly went viral, bringing the hit back into international market
Reacting to the performance, presidential aide Bayo Onanuga publicly questioned why Essence widely regarded as one of the biggest Afrobeats crossover records failed to win a Grammy despite its success.
Released in 2020, the track became a cultural milestone, breaking into global charts and reaching the top 10 on the US Billboard Hot 100 after its remix with Justin Bieber.
The renewed attention has now reopened a bigger conversation: how global success is measured versus how it is rewarded. While Essence dominated charts and reshaped international perception of Afrobeats, its absence from the Grammys continues to raise questions years later.
Online, reactions have been mixed. Some agree that the song deserved more recognition, while others argue that awards don’t always reflect real cultural impact especially in a rapidly evolving global music space.
