Essence (Wizkid song)

[4][5] Lyrically, it sees Wizkid and Tems yearning for each other's physical connection;[6][7] deemed a "flirtatious" song, the artists deliver "tongue-in-cheek showboating".

[4] 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.

[8] 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".

[8] 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".

[5] Regina Cho of Revolt deemed the song a stand-out from Made in Lagos, calling Tems's verse "sensual".

[19] 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.

[26] 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.

[10] Rolling Stone said the artists "glow, Wiz bare-chested and draped in diamonds, Tems in slick braids and flowing garb".

[7] 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.