Essence (Wizkid song)

2020 single by Wizkid featuring Tems

"Essence"

Single by Wizkid featuring Tems
from the album  Made in Lagos
Released| 30 October 2020
Genre|

* Afrobeats
* R&B

Length| 4:08
Label|

* Starboy
* RCA

Songwriter(s)|

* Ayodeji Balogun
* Temilade Openiyi
* Uzezi Oniko
* Okiemute Oniko
* Richard Isong

Producer(s)|

* Legendury Beatz
* P2J

Wizkid singles chronology
| "Ginger"
(2020)  | "Essence"
(2020)  | "B. d'Or"
(2021)

|
|

Tems singles chronology
| "Damages"
(2020)  | "Essence"
(2021)  | "Crazy Tings"
(2021)

|
|

Music video
"Essence" on YouTube

"Essence" is a song by Nigerian singer Wizkid, featuring fellow Nigerian singer Tems. It was released on 30 October 2020, as the fourth single from Wizkid's fourth studio album, Made in Lagos. "Essence" was produced by P2J and Legendury Beatz. The "sensual" song sees the duo express their desire for each other. A music video was released on 9 April 2021, shot in Aburi in the Eastern Region of Ghana.[1] "Essence" is the first Nigerian song in history to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200.[2][3] The song received a nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards for Best Global Music Performance.

## Background and composition

[edit]

After the song garnered popularity, Tems said that although she was "happy" with her first recording of the song, she felt her verse could have been better. However, Wizkid and his team thought her vocals were great and ultimately kept it. Tems recalled hearing the song "in the most random places", while in Los Angeles.[4]

"Essence" is an Afrobeats/Afro-pop and R&B song.[5][6] Lyrically, it sees Wizkid and Tems yearning for each other's physical connection;[7][8] deemed a "flirtatious" song, the artists deliver "tongue-in-cheek showboating".[5] As observed by NPR's Sidney Madden, the song features Tems singing the chorus about how only her lover can give her the feeling of "lust and obsession and worship that she deserves", with the lyrics "You don't need no other body. You don't need no other body".[9]

## Critical reception

[edit]

Henrietta Taylor of Nigerian publication DST lauded the collaboration, writing: "The Nigerian artists make a formidable duo in the glossy Afrobeats single, with the more established Wizkid giving rising-star Tems a platform to give listeners a glimpse of her knock-out vocals".[5] Praising the chorus as "the hook that keeps on giving", NPR's Sidney Madden opined that the song was not immediately appreciated, due to COVID-19, writing: "this song didn't really get the justice or even the fair playing field it deserved because we were all inside, we were all quarantined. But now that concerts and outdoor picnics and anywhere where the communal experience of music is appreciated is coming back, this song is going to be everywhere, and it's going to continue to go up".[9] Calling the track a perfect mix of Afropop and R&B, Pan African Music said the duo "present an ode to lust" as they "embody sexual desire, advocating a sense of reciprocity".[6] Regina Cho of Revolt deemed the song a stand-out from Made in Lagos, calling Tems's verse "sensual".[10] GRM Daily's Courtney W called it a "silky, smooth" offering.[11] Conversely, NME called the track "expendable".[12]

### Critics rankings and year-end lists

[edit]

In 2021, "Essence" was ranked as the number one best song of 2021 by American magazine Rolling Stone.[13] "Essence" was included in Spotify's Song of the Summer playlist in June 2021,[14] and in Barack Obama's favourite songs of 2020 playlist.[15] In April 2023, African Folder's staff listed Essence as one of the best African songs of all time.[16]

In October 2023, Billboard's staff ranked "Essence" as number 407 in their Best Pop Songs of all Time.[17] Time named it the second best song of 2021.[18]

## Cultural impact

[edit]

Graffiti work in Bologna, Italy, quoting lyrics from the song

The Native opined "the song became an ubiquitous presence among listeners, and led to another cultural moment engineered by Wizkid.[19] Billboard staff's remarked that "the song is a big moment for not only the artists involved but for Afrobeats as a global genre, and “Essence” is blazing the trail for more crossover Afrobeats hits to follow suit.[20] The Guardian asserted that "Essence is not just a hit song; it’s a cultural bridge, It has introduced the vibrant sounds of Afrobeats to a wider audience and paved the way for other African artists to reach international success.[21] American rapper Kanye West called "Essence the best song in history."[22] It was name the globe-trotting song of the summer by critics, and became the soundtrack to an optimistic re-emergence after a dark and isolated winter.[23] Time also called the song a ubiquitous hit that contains luxurious sonic experiences of the year.[24] Daniel Anazia of "The Guardian" wrote that "Essence is a success that has spiraled into a moment for Afrobeats.[25] Chris DeVille of Stereogum said "Essence was a perfect encapsulation of a feeling, and its success may portend further chart success for WizKid, Tems, and their African peers.[26] In an interview, American rapper Nicki Minaj argued that "Essence should have been better recognised by the Grammys for Song of the year.[27] Liam Hess of Vogue wrote “Essence was literally inescapable and elevated Afrobeats crossover into the U.S. market, even before Justin Bieber jumped on the record."[28] Legit.ng describe the song as "another landmark defining moment for Afrobeats."[29] "Billboard" named Essence Hot 100 top 10 entry as one of the 25 musical moments that defined the first quarter of the 2020s, while saying; "it's a moment for Afrobeats in general, signaling to the industry that the ascendant genre had real staying power on American radio.[30]

## Music video

[edit]

The music video was released on 9 April 2021.[31] Directed by Director K of PriorGold Pictures, and produced by Leke Alabi Isama,[32] it was shot in Accra, Ghana. It was the fourth video to be released from Made in Lagos.[12] The visual sees Wizkid and Tems lounging in the streets of Accra, while Wizkid is later seen riding in a car with two women.[12][32] The video was considered "colourful" and "scintillating",[5][7] with GRM Daily saying, "The visuals perfectly coincide with the track's blissful feel and include colourful fits, scenic shots and good vibes".[11] Rolling Stone said the artists "glow, Wiz bare-chested and draped in diamonds, Tems in slick braids and flowing garb".[8]

## Justin Bieber remix

[edit]

"Essence" (Remix)

Single by Wizkid featuring Justin Bieber and Tems
from the album  Made in Lagos (deluxe edition)
Released| 13 August 2021
Genre|

* Afrobeats
* R&B

Length| 4:23
Label|

* Starboy
* RCA

Songwriter(s)|

* Ayodeji Balogun
* Justin Bieber
* Temilade Openiyi
* Uzezi Oniko
* Okiemute Oniko
* Richard Isong

Producer(s)|

* Legendury Beatz

Justin Bieber singles chronology
| "Stay"
(2021)  | "Essence" (Remix)
(2021)  | "Don't Go"
(2021)

|
|

Lyric video
"Essence" (Remix) on YouTube

A remix of "Essence" featuring additional vocals from Canadian singer Justin Bieber was released on 13 August 2021, and appears on the deluxe edition of Made in Lagos.[33]

## Accolades

[edit]

Awards and nominations for "Essence"  Year  | Organization  | Award  | Result  | Ref(s)

|
|
|
|

2021 | All Africa Music Awards | Best African Collaboration  | Won  | [34][35]
Song of the Year in Africa  | Won
2021  | African Entertainment Awards USA  | Best Collaboration  | Won  | [36]
Best Video  | Won
Song of the Year  | Won
2021 | Soul Train Music Awards | Best Collaboration | Won  | [37][38]
Video of the Year | Nominated
Song of the Year | Nominated
The Ashford & Simpson Songwriter's Award | Nominated
2022 | Grammy Awards | Best Global Music Performance | Nominated  | [39][40]
2022 | iHeartRadio Music Awards | Hip Hop Song of the Year  | Nominated  | [41]
2022 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Music Video/Visual Album | Won  | [42]
Outstanding International Song  | Won  | [42]
2022 | 3Music Awards | African Song of the Year  | Won  | [43]
2022 | BET Awards | Best Collaboration | Won  | [44][45]

## Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from Tidal.[46]

* Wizkid – vocals, songwriting
* Tems – vocals, songwriting
* Legendury Beatz
* Uzezi Oniko – songwriting, production
* Mut4y – songwriting, production
* P2J – songwriting, production
* Colin Leonard – mastering
* Leandro Hidalgo – mixing

### Remix only

[edit]

* Justin Bieber – vocals, songwriting
* Heidi Wang – assistant engineering
* Benjamin Rice – engineering
* Josh Gudwin – recording, vocal production

## Charts

[edit]

### Weekly charts

[edit]

Weekly chart performance for "Essence"  | Chart (2021–2022)[a] | Peak
position

|

Nigeria (TurnTable Top 50)  | 3
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[47] | 30
Global 200 (Billboard)[48] | 28
Ireland (IRMA)[49] | 41
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[50] | 76
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[51] | 15
Portugal (AFP)[52] | 108
South Africa (TOSAC)[53] | 15
Sweden Heatseeker (Sverigetopplistan)[54] | 1
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[55] | 95
UK Singles (OCC)[56] | 16
UK Afrobeats (OCC)[57] | 1
US Billboard Hot 100[58] | 9
US Afrobeats Songs (Billboard)[59] | 1
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[60] | 3
US Pop Airplay (Billboard)[61] | 21
US R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay (Billboard)[62] | 1
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[63] | 2
US Rolling Stone Top 100[64] | 11
US World Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[65] | 1

### Year-end charts

[edit]

2021 year-end chart performance for "Essence"  Chart (2021)  | Position

|

Global 200 (Billboard)[66] | 195
UK Singles (OCC)[67] | 97
US Billboard Hot 100[68] | 60
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[69] | 28
US Rhythmic (Billboard)[70] | 29
2022 year-end chart performance for "Essence"  Chart (2022)  | Position

|

US Billboard Hot 100[71] | 64
US Afrobeats Songs (Billboard)[72] | 1
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[73] | 35
2023 year-end chart performance for "Essence"  Chart (2023)  | Position

|

US Afrobeats Songs (Billboard)[74] | 4

## Certifications

[edit]

Certifications for "Essence"  Region  | Certification | Certified units/sales

|
|

Belgium (BRMA)[75] | Gold  | 20,000‡
Canada (Music Canada)[76] | 3× Platinum  | 240,000‡
France (SNEP)[77] | Gold  | 100,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[78] | 3× Platinum  | 90,000‡
Nigeria (TCSN)[79] | 2× Platinum  | 200,000‡
South Africa (RISA)[80] | 7× Platinum  | 140,000‡
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[81] | Platinum  | 20,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[82] | Platinum  | 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[83] | 5× Platinum  | 5,000,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

## Release history

[edit]

Release history and formats for "Essence"  Country  | Date  | Format  | Label  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

Various  | 30 October 2020  |

* Digital download
* streaming

* Starboy
* RCA

| [84]
United States  | 29 June 2021  | Urban radio | [85]

## Notes

[edit]

1. ^ Chart peaks in Canada, Global 200 and the US Hot 100 measure combined data between the original and the Justin Bieber remix version.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "How Ghana has become the best destination for Nigerian artistes to shoot music videos". GhanaWeb. 15 April 2021. Archived from the original on 1 January 2025. Retrieved 15 July 2025.
2. ^ "Wizkid's 'Essence' Enters Hot 100". Billboard. 15 July 2021. Retrieved 18 July 2021.
3. ^ "New Around the World: Wizkid & Tems Spotlight Nigeria on Global 200". Billboard. 22 July 2021. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
4. ^ Bassey, Ekaete (12 June 2021). "I could have done better on Wizkidxs Essence Tems". The Nation (Nigeria). Retrieved 13 July 2021.
5. ^ a b c d Taylor, Henrietta (12 April 2021). "WizKid - Essence feat. Tems [Video]". DST. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
6. ^ a b "WizKid and Tems embody sensuality on "Essence"". Pan African Music. 12 April 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
7. ^ a b "Wizkid And Tems Release Scintillating Video For "Essence"". The Guardian (Nigeria). 9 April 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
8. ^ a b Mankaprr, Conteh (9 April 2021). "Wizkid and Tems Lounge and Glow in 'Essence' Video". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
9. ^ a b Madden, Sidney (8 July 2021). "Our Songs Of Summer For 2021". NPR. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
10. ^ Cho, Regina (9 April 2021). "Wizkid and Tems unleash official video for "Essence"". Revolt. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
11. ^ a b W, Courtney (9 April 2021). "Wizkid & Tems Deliver Silky Vibes In Visuals For Big "Made In Lagos" Cut "Essence"". GRM Daily. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
12. ^ a b c Richards, Will (11 April 2021). "WizKid shares video for new Tems collaboration 'Essence'". NME. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
13. ^ "Wizkid, Lil Nas X, & Megan Thee Stallion Top Rolling Stone's Best Songs of 2021". 6 December 2021. Retrieved 7 December 2021.
14. ^ Shafer, Ellise (29 June 2021). "Olivia Rodrigo, Rauw Alejandro and BTS Lead Spotify's Song of the Summer Predictions". Variety. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
15. ^ "Barack Obama 2020 Playlist". Wonderland Magazine. 21 December 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
16. ^ "25 Best African Songs Of All Time". African Folder. 13 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2024.
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18. ^ "The 10 Best Songs of 2021". TIME. 5 December 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
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20. ^ "Five Burning Questions: Wizkid's 'Essence' With Tems and Justin Bieber Hits Hot 100's Top 10". Billboard. 12 December 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
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22. ^ Kanmodi, Funmilayo (4 September 2022). "Kanye West Calls Wizkid's 'Essence' The Best Song In History". NotJustOk. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
23. ^ Conteh, Mankaprr (27 August 2023). "'You Don't Need No Other Body': An Oral History of Wizkid's 'Essence'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
24. ^ "The 10 Best Songs of 2021". TIME. 5 December 2021. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
25. ^ Anazia, Daniel (17 July 2021). "Wizkid's Essence…a made in Lagos beat swelling the Afrobeat movement". The Guardian Ng. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
26. ^ DeVille, Chris (30 August 2021). "WizKid & Tems Capture The Essence Of Summer's Waning Days". Stereogum. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
27. ^ Owolawi, Taiwo (4 April 2022). "Wizkid's Essence Should Be Grammy's Song of the Year: Nicki Minaj Agrees in Viral Video, Nigerians React". Legit.ng. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
28. ^ Hess, Liam (7 December 2021). "The 38 Best Songs of 2021, According to Vogue Editors". Vogue. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
29. ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (22 November 2022). ""Big Wiz Movement": Wizkid and Tems' Song 'Essence' Wins Big at the AMAs Award". Legit.ng. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
30. ^ "The 25 Musical Moments That Defined the First Quarter of the 2020s". Billboard. 5 July 2022. Retrieved 22 December 2023.
31. ^ BN TV (9 April 2021). "New Video: Wizkid feat. Tems – Essence". BellaNaija. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
32. ^ a b Bartee, Richardine (9 April 2021). "Wizkid, Tems release highly-anticipated video for 'Essence'". Grunge Cake. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
33. ^ "Justin Bieber Jumping on a Remix of WizKid's 'Essence,' His Personal 'Song of the Summer'". Billboard. 12 August 2021. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
34. ^ Obey, Yinka (25 November 2021). "AFRIMA 2021: Wizkid, Iba One win big, Manjeru makes history, full list of winner". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
35. ^ "2021 AFRIMA Awards – See Full Winners List". tooXclusive. 22 November 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2021.
36. ^ "Wizkid wins five awards at 2021 AEAUSA". The Nation Newspaper. 28 December 2021. Retrieved 28 December 2021.
37. ^ "H.E.R. Is Top Nominee at 2021 Soul Train Awards; Maxwell & Ashanti to Receive Special Awards: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
38. ^ "H.E.R., Chris Brown and Jazmine Sullivan lead nominations for 2021 Soul Train Awards". Revolt. Archived from the original on 30 November 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
39. ^ "64th Annual Grammy Awards". Grammy.com. 23 November 2021. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
40. ^ Cohn, Gabe (23 November 2021). "Grammy Awards 2022: The Full List of Nominees". The New York Times. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
41. ^ "iHeartRadio Music Awards". iHeartRadio. 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
42. ^ a b "53rd NAACP Image Awards". Naacpimageawards.net. 18 January 2021. Retrieved 18 January 2021.
43. ^ Kotey, Nii (27 March 2022). "3Music News: 3Music Awards '22: Here are all the winners". 3Music TV. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
44. ^ "BET Awards 2022 Nominees Revealed: Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and More | Complex". Complex. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
45. ^ "BET Awards 2022 Nominees Announced". BET. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
46. ^ "Credits / Made In Lagos: Deluxe Edition / Wizkid". Tidal. Retrieved 30 August 2021.
47. ^ "Wizkid Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
48. ^ "Wizkid Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved 24 August 2021.
49. ^ "Official Irish Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
50. ^ "Wizkid feat. Justin Bieber & Tems – Essence" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
51. ^ "WizKid feat. Tems – Essence". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
52. ^ "Wizkid feat. Tems – Essence". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved 4 September 2021.
53. ^ "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 100: 20/08/2021 to 26/08/2021". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on 8 September 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
54. ^ "Veckolista Heatseeker, vecka 34". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
55. ^ "Wizkid feat. Justin Bieber & Tems – Essence". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved 29 August 2021.
56. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
57. ^ "Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
58. ^ "Wizkid Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
59. ^ "Tems Chart History (Afrobeats Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
60. ^ "Wizkid Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
61. ^ "Wizkid Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved 23 November 2021.
62. ^ "Wizkid Chart History (R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
63. ^ "Wizkid Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
64. ^ "Rolling Stone Top 100". Rolling Stone Top 100. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
65. ^ "Wizkid Chart History – World Digital Songs Sales". Billboard. Retrieved 13 July 2021.
66. ^ "Billboard Global 200 – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
67. ^ "End of Year Singles Chart Top 100 – 2021". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 5 January 2022.
68. ^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
69. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
70. ^ "Rhythmic Songs – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2021.
71. ^ "Hot 100 Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
72. ^ "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 30 December 2022.
73. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2022". Billboard. Retrieved 2 December 2022.
74. ^ "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs – Year-End 2023". Billboard. Retrieved 16 December 2023.
75. ^ "Ultratop − Goud en Platina – singles 2023". Ultratop. Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
76. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Wizkid – Essence". Music Canada. Retrieved 30 May 2025.
77. ^ "French single certifications – Wizkid feat. Tems – Essence" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 4 December 2023.
78. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Wizkid feat. Tems – Essence". Radioscope. Retrieved 17 July 2025. Type Essence  in the "Search:" field.
79. ^ "Nigeria certifications". TurnTable. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
80. ^ "South Africa certifications". Recording Industry of South Africa. Retrieved 8 February 2025.
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83. ^ "American single certifications – Wizkid – Essence". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
84. ^ "Wizkid's 'Essence' Gains Momentum – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com.
85. ^ "Urban/R&B Future Releases". All Access. Archived from the original on 29 June 2021. Retrieved 13 July 2021.

* v
* t
* e

Wizkid

* Discography
* Awards and nominations

Studio albums|

* Superstar (2011)
* Ayo (2014)
* Sounds from the Other Side (2017)
* Made in Lagos (2020)
* More Love, Less Ego (2022)
* Morayo (2024)

Compilation albums and EPs|

* Empire Mates State of Mind (2012)
* Soundman Vol. 1 (2019)
* Soundman Vol. 2 (2023)

Singles|

* "Holla at Your Boy"
* "Tease Me/Bad Guys"
* "Don't Dull"
* "Jaiye Jaiye"
* "Come Closer"
* "Energy (Stay Far Away)"
* "Soco"
* "Joro"
* "Smile"
* "Ginger"
* "Essence"
* "Piece of My Heart"
* "Gimme Dat"
* "Kai!"

Featured singles|

* "Baddest Boy"
* "Sexy Mama"
* "Aboki (Remix)"
* "Caro"
* "One Dance"
* "Mamacita"
* "Brown Skin Girl"
* "Call Me Every Day"

Promotional singles|

* "Azonto"
* "Dance Go (Eau de Vie)"

Other songs|

* "Ojuelegba"

Related articles|

* Empire Mates Entertainment

* v
* t
* e

Tems

Studio albums|

* Born in the Wild (2024)

Soundtracks|

* Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music from and Inspired By

Extended plays|

* For Broken Ears (2020)
* If Orange Was a Place (2021)

Singles|

* "Damages"
* " No Woman, No Cry"
* "Free Mind"
* "Me & U"
* "Not an Angel"
* "Love Me JeJe"

Featured singles|

* "Know Your Worth"
* "Essence"
* "Wait for U"

Other songs|

* "Higher"
* "Fountains"

Related articles|

* Discography

* v
* t
* e

Justin Bieber songs

Discography

My World|

* "One Time"
* "Favorite Girl"
* "One Less Lonely Girl"
* "Love Me"

My World 2.0|

* "Baby"
* "Somebody to Love"
* "U Smile"
* "Never Let You Go"
* "Eenie Meenie"
* "That Should Be Me"

My Worlds: The Collection|

"Pray"

Never Say Never: The Remixes|

"Never Say Never"

Under the Mistletoe|

* "Mistletoe"
* "All I Want for Christmas Is You (SuperFestive!)"
* "Drummer Boy"

Believe|

* "All Around the World"
* "Boyfriend"
* "As Long as You Love Me"
* "Right Here"
* "Die in Your Arms"
* "Beauty and a Beat"

Believe Acoustic|

* "Nothing Like Us"

Journals|

* "Heartbreaker"
* "All That Matters"
* "Hold Tight"
* "Recovery"
* "Bad Day"
* "All Bad"
* "PYD"
* "Roller Coaster"
* "Change Me"
* "Confident"

Purpose|

* "I'll Show You"
* "What Do You Mean?"
* "Sorry"
* "Love Yourself"
* "Company"
* "Where Are Ü Now"
* "Home to Mama"

Changes|

* "Come Around Me"
* "Intentions"
* "Yummy"
* "Available"
* "Forever"
* "Get Me"

Justice|

* "As I Am"
* "Off My Face"
* "Holy"
* "Unstable"
* "Hold On"
* "Ghost"
* "Peaches"
* "Anyone"
* "Lonely"

Swag|

* "All I Can Take"
* "Daisies"
* "Yukon"
* "Go Baby"
* "Butterflies"
* "Way It Is"
* "Walking Away"
* "Forgiveness"

Other songs|

* "Turn to You (Mother's Day Dedication)"
* "Wait for a Minute"
* "We Were Born for This"
* "Looking for You"
* "Why You Mad?" (Infinity Remix)
* "Friends"
* "I Don't Care"
* "Bad Guy" (Remix)
* "10,000 Hours"
* "Stuck with U"
* "Mood" (Remix)
* "Monster"
* "Stay"
* "Don't Go"
* "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree"
* "Wandered to LA"
* "Attention"
* "Honest"

Featured songs|

* "We Are the World 25 for Haiti"
* "Next to You"
* "Live My Life"
* "#thatPower"
* "Lolly"
* "Gas Pedal" (Remix)
* "Cold Water"
* "Let Me Love You"
* "Deja Vu"
* "Despacito" (Remix)
* "I'm the One"
* "2U"
* "Hard 2 Face Reality"
* "No Brainer"
* "Earth"
* "Love Thru the Computer"
* "Don't Check on Me"
* "Lean on Me"
* "Let It Go"
* "Essence"
* "Lonely Christmas"
* "Up at Night"
* "Private Landing"
* "Snooze" (acoustic)

Awards for "Essence"

* v
* t
* e

American Music Award for Favorite Soul/R&B Song

1970s|

* "Superstition" – Stevie Wonder (1974)
* "Midnight Train to Georgia" – Gladys Knight & the Pips (1975)
* "Get Down Tonight" – KC and the Sunshine Band (1976)
* "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" – Lou Rawls / "Play That Funky Music" – Wild Cherry (1977)
* "Best of My Love" – The Emotions (1978)
* "Too Much, Too Little, Too Late" – Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams (1979)

1980s|

* "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" – Michael Jackson (1980)
* "Upside Down" – Diana Ross (1981)
* "Endless Love" – Lionel Richie and Diana Ross (1982)
* "Sexual Healing" – Marvin Gaye (1983)
* "All Night Long (All Night)" – Lionel Richie (1984)
* "When Doves Cry" – Prince (1985)
* "You Give Good Love" – Whitney Houston (1986)
* "Nasty" – Janet Jackson (1987)
* "Bad" – Michael Jackson (1988)
* "Nice 'n' Slow" – Freddie Jackson (1989)

1990s|

* "Miss You Much" – Janet Jackson (1990)
* "U Can't Touch This" – MC Hammer (1991)
* "I Wanna Sex You Up" – Color Me Badd (1992)
* "Remember the Time" – Michael Jackson (1993)
* "I Will Always Love You" – Whitney Houston (1994)
* "I'll Make Love to You" – Boyz II Men (1995)

2010s|

* "Work" – Rihanna featuring Drake (2016)
* "That's What I Like" – Bruno Mars (2017)
* "Finesse (Remix)" – Bruno Mars featuring Cardi B (2018)
* "Talk" – Khalid (2019)

2020s|

* "Heartless" – The Weeknd (2020)
* "Leave the Door Open" – Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak) (2021)
* "Essence" – Wizkid featuring Tems (2022)
* "Saturn" – SZA (2025)

Between 1996–2015, the category was retired.

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BET Award for Best Collaboration

2000s|

* "Beautiful" – Snoop Dogg featuring Pharrell Williams and Charlie Wilson (2003)
* "Crazy in Love" – Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z (2004)
* "1, 2 Step" – Ciara featuring Missy Elliott (2005)
* "Gold Digger" – Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx (2006)
* "Runaway Love" – Ludacris featuring Mary J. Blige (2007)
* "Good Life" – Kanye West featuring T-Pain (2008)
* "Blame It" – Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain (2009)

2010s|

* "Empire State of Mind" – Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys (2010)
* "Look at Me Now" – Chris Brown featuring Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne (2011)
* "Lotus Flower Bomb" – Wale featuring Miguel (2012)
* "Fuckin' Problems" – ASAP Rocky featuring Drake, 2 Chainz, and Kendrick Lamar (2013)
* "Drunk in Love" – Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z (2014)
* "Glory" – Common and John Legend (2015)
* "Work" – Rihanna featuring Drake (2016)
* "No Problem" – Chance the Rapper featuring 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne (2017)
* "Wild Thoughts" – DJ Khaled featuring Rihanna and Bryson Tiller (2018)
* "Sicko Mode" – Travis Scott featuring Drake (2019)

2020s|

* "No Guidance" – Chris Brown featuring Drake (2020)
* "WAP" – Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion (2021)
* "Essence" – Wizkid featuring Justin Bieber and Tems (2022)
* "Wait for U" – Future featuring Drake and Tems (2023)
* "All My Life" – Lil Durk featuring J. Cole (2024)
* "Luther" – Kendrick Lamar featuring SZA (2025)

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NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Music Video

1990s|

* "Unforgettable" – Natalie Cole (1991)
* "Black or White" – Michael Jackson (1992)
* "I'm Every Woman" – Whitney Houston (1993)
* No Award (1994)
* "Waterfalls" – TLC (1995)
* "I Believe I Can Fly" – R. Kelly (1996)
* "Stomp" – God's Property (1997)
* "Just the Two of Us" – Will Smith (1998)
* "Wild Wild West" – Will Smith (1999)

2000s|

* "I Wish" – R. Kelly (2000)
* "You Rock My World" – Michael Jackson (2001)
* "Little Things" – India Arie (2002)
* "Dance with My Father" – Luther Vandross (2003)
* "If I Ain't Got You" – Alicia Keys (2004)
* "Unbreakable" – Alicia Keys (2005)
* "Be Without You" – Mary J. Blige (2006)
* "Like You'll Never See Me Again" – Alicia Keys (2007)
* "Yes We Can" – will.i.am (2008)
* "I Look to You" – Whitney Houston (2009)

2010s|

* "Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready)" – Alicia Keys (2010)
* "Where You At?" – Jennifer Hudson (2011)
* "Girl on Fire" – Alicia Keys (2012)
* "Q.U.E.E.N." – Janelle Monáe featuring Erykah Badu (2013)
* "You & I (Nobody in the World)" – John Legend (2014)
* "Shame" – Tyrese Gibson (2015)
* "Formation" – Beyoncé (2016)
* "That's What I Like" – Bruno Mars (2017)
* "This Is America" – Childish Gambino (2018)
* "Juice" – Lizzo (2019)

2020s|

* "Brown Skin Girl" – Beyoncé, Saint Jhn, and Wizkid featuring Blue Ivy Carter (2020)
* "Essence" – Wizkid featuring Tems (2021)
* "Lift Me Up" – Rihanna (2022)
* "Sensational" – Chris Brown featuring Davido & Lojay (2023)
* "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar (2024)

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NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song

Song
(1971–2015)|

* "Theme from Shaft" – Isaac Hayes (1971)
* No Award (1972–1994)
* "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" – Whitney Houston (1995)
* "I Believe I Can Fly" – R. Kelly (1996)
* "A Song for Mama" – Boyz II Men (1997)
* "Lean on Me" – Kirk Franklin (1998)
* "Spend My Life with You" – Eric Benét featuring Tamia (1999)
* "Open My Heart" – Yolanda Adams (2000)
* "A Woman's Worth" – Alicia Keys (2001)
* "Brighter Day" – Kirk Franklin (2002)
* "Dance with My Father" – Luther Vandross (2003)
* "If I Ain't Got You" – Alicia Keys (2004)
* "Unbreakable" – Alicia Keys (2005)
* "I Am Not My Hair" – India Arie (2006)
* "Like You'll Never See Me Again" – Alicia Keys (2007)
* "Yes We Can" – will.i.am (2008)
* "God in Me" – Mary Mary (2009)
* "Bittersweet" – Fantasia (2010)
* "I Smile" – Kirk Franklin (2011)
* "I Look to You" – Whitney Houston and R. Kelly (2012)
* "All of Me" – John Legend (2013)
* "We Are Here" – Alicia Keys (2014)
* "Back Together" – Jill Scott (2015)

Contemporary
(2016–2019)|

* "Freedom" – Beyoncé featuring Kendrick Lamar (2016)
* "HUMBLE." – Kendrick Lamar (2017)
* "Boo'd Up" – Ella Mai (2018)
* "Before I Let Go" – Beyoncé (2019)

Traditional
(2016–2019)|

* "I See Victory" – Kim Burrell and Pharrell Williams (2016)
* "That's What I Like" – Bruno Mars (2017)
* "Long as I Live" – Toni Braxton (2018)
* "Spirit" – Beyoncé (2019)

Soul/R&B
(2020–present)|

* "Do It" – Chloe x Halle (2020)
* "Pick Up Your Feelings" – Jazmine Sullivan (2021)
* "Cuff It" – Beyoncé (2022)
* "ICU (Remix)" – Coco Jones featuring Justin Timberlake (2023)
* "Residuals" – Chris Brown (2024)

Hip Hop/Rap
(2020–present)|

* "Savage (Remix)" – Megan Thee Stallion featuring Beyoncé (2020)
* "Fye Fye" – Tobe Nwigwe featuring Fat Nwigwe (2021)
* "Hotel Lobby" – Quavo and Takeoff (2022)
* "Cobra" – Megan Thee Stallion (2023)
* "Not Like Us" – Kendrick Lamar (2024)

International
(2020–present)|

* "Lockdown" – Original Koffee (2020)
* "Essence" – Wizkid featuring Tems and Justin Bieber (2021)
* "No Woman, No Cry" – Tems (2022)
* "Me & U" – Tems (2023)
* "Hmmm" – Chris Brown featuring Davido (2024)

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