Wizkid and Tems’ “Essence” is back in the Soul Train Awards conversation, but this time the Nigerian hit is competing for something bigger than a single award.
The song is one of 64 tracks shortlisted for the 20 Greatest R&B Songs of the 2020s, a new fan-voted category introduced for the 2026 Soul Train Awards. Fans can vote once every 24 hours until October 16, with the 20 songs receiving the most votes making the final list.
Why “Essence” matters beyond Afrobeats
Wizkid’s Essence Soul Train Awards story is significant because the song is being placed alongside records that have helped define R&B during the 2020s.
Released in 2020 as part of Wizkid’s Made in Lagos album, “Essence” became one of the biggest international successes of the Afrobeats wave. Its smooth R&B influence helped it connect with audiences outside Africa, while the collaboration with Tems became one of the defining Nigerian music moments of the decade.
The Recording Academy also recognises “Essence” as a Grammy-nominated global hit, while describing Wizkid as one of the artists who helped drive Afrobeats’ international rise.
Nigerian and African music has a strong presence
“Essence” is not the only African record in the greatest R&B songs of the 2020s vote.
Tems has three entries, while Rema and Selena Gomez’s “Calm Down,” CKay’s “love nwantiti,” Tyla’s “Water” and Amaarae’s “SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY” are also part of the 64-song selection.
That gives African music several opportunities to make the final 20 and shows how much the sound of R&B and contemporary Black music has crossed borders during the decade.
The Soul Train Awards has also created a separate RNB X International Artist category, featuring Tems, FLO, Odeal, Cleo Sol, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Tiana Major9 and kwn. The category is part of the show’s new focus on artists taking R&B beyond traditional markets.
Can “Essence” make the final 20?
The competition is now in the hands of fans. BET says the final 20 songs will be ranked by vote count, meaning popularity with listeners will determine which records survive the first stage.
This is not Wizkid’s first Soul Train Awards success with the song. “Essence” won Best Collaboration at the 2021 Soul Train Awards after receiving five nominations.
The 2026 result will therefore give “Essence” another place in the awards’ history, but with a bigger question attached: can a Nigerian Afrobeats record make the final list of the decade’s greatest R&B songs?
The final ranking will be revealed during the Soul Train Awards Red Carpet Show, ahead of the main ceremony on November 27, 2026.
