Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez, also known as Emeka Akumefule, has made a bold statement about the global impact of Wizkid’s hit song ‘Essence’ on the Afrobeats genre. In a recent interview with American outlet KTLA, Blaqbonez credited Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ featuring Tems for propelling Afrobeats into the international spotlight.
According to Blaqbonez, the release of ‘Essence’ in 2020 marked a significant turning point for Afrobeats, leading to a surge in popularity worldwide. He emphasized the song’s role in showcasing the vibrancy and talent within the Afrobeats genre, stating that it served as a powerful introduction to the genre for a global audience.
Blaqbonez highlighted the positive impact of ‘Essence’ on the music industry, noting that it has opened doors for emerging Afrobeats artists and contributed to the genre’s growing recognition on the global stage. He expressed optimism about the future of Afrobeats, citing the emergence of more talented artists and the exciting developments taking place within the genre.
It is worth noting that Wizkid, the artist behind ‘Essence,’ has recently distanced himself from the Afrobeats label, expressing a desire to avoid being confined to a specific genre. Despite this, ‘Essence’ has been described by Wizkid’s team as an R&B song, further showcasing the versatility and cross-genre appeal of the track.
Overall, Blaqbonez’s comments shed light on the transformative impact of ‘Essence’ and the ongoing evolution of Afrobeats as a genre that continues to captivate audiences around the world.
