Wizkid and Tems Make History as ‘Essence’ Goes 5x Platinum in the U.S

In an exciting moment for African music, Nigerian superstars Wizkid and Tems have reached a huge milestone with their hit song Essence. The track, which originally dropped on October 29, 2020, has officially gone 5x Platinum in the United States, certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on June 2, 2025.

This means Essence has now sold over 5 million units in the U.S. alone, an incredible achievement for an Afrobeats song. It was released under Starboy/RCA Records and quickly became a global favorite with its unique blend of R&B, Afrobeat, and soul.

The journey to 5x Platinum didn’t happen overnight. The song first went Gold in September 2021, then climbed steadily: Platinum in October 2021, 2x Platinum in March 2022, 3x in November 2022, 4x in February 2024, and now 5x in June 2025.

Wizkid and Tems have both received global praise for their artistry, and Essence continues to open doors for African music worldwide. This moment is not just a win for the artists, it’s a proud moment for Nigeria and the entire continent.

Africa to the world and this is just the beginning.