Essence Transitioned, and We Are Loving It

Essence’s musical journey began at the tender age of 18, a time when she was just a girl with dreams, often found pouring her heart into song while singing in the shower. What started as a private passion soon blossomed into a professional career when she caught the attention of the renowned artist and mentor, Kenny St. Brown, during a talent hunt competition. This discovery marked the beginning of an exhilarating chapter in her life.

Under KSB’s guidance, Essence refined her skills and developed her unique sound—a captivating blend of R&B, hip-hop, and soul—that resonates with listeners across various demographics. In 2004, she released her debut album, “Truly Essence,” which laid the foundation for her artistic identity and showcased her vocal prowess. The album received critical acclaim, propelling her into the spotlight and solidifying her place in the Nigerian music scene.

Watch her video ‘Worship’ from 4 years ago

Over the years, Essence has gifted fans with a string of hits. Songs like “Like Dat,” “African Prince,” “Good Boy,” and “Facebook Love” not only highlight her vocal talent but also her ability to tell relatable stories through her music.

Essence’s versatility as an artist is evident in her impressive body of work and collaborations with some of the most celebrated figures in the Nigerian music industry. Notably, she has worked alongside musical legends such as Sammie Okposo and Onyeka Onwenu, helping to forge a path for her distinctive sound. In addition to these high-profile collaborations, Essence has lent her powerful vocals as background support on Paul Play Dairo’s debut album, showcasing her ability to enhance the artistry of others.

Her talent also extends to the realm of television and film, where she has contributed her voice to soundtracks for popular productions such as “Super Story” and “Reloaded.”

Recognized for her exceptional vocal strength and artistry, Essence has graced stages across Nigeria and around the world, captivating audiences with her performances. Her contributions to music have been acknowledged through numerous accolades, including the prestigious Gbedu Award for Best Female Vocalist in 2005 and the Youth Award for Best Female Vocalist in 2001. These awards underscore her talent and the respect she has earned within the industry, marking her as a true icon in the world of music.

With a successful career in mainstream music behind her, Essence made a profound transition to the gospel genre. This pivotal change was encapsulated in her album ‘The Shift’, which features uplifting hit singles such as “Mighty God.” Essence has described this transformative phase not just as a career move but as a way to align her artistry more closely with her faith and values. This decision was met with widespread acclaim from her fans, many of whom appreciate the authenticity and passion she brings to her gospel music.

Watch a brief story about her journey so far

In addition to her thriving music career, Essence is also an entrepreneur, managing Hello Events, a successful ushering and events coordination business. Through Hello Events, she blends her organizational skills with her natural flair for creativity, ensuring that each occasion is memorable and runs smoothly.

She was also featured by Chude on his YouTube channel, the interview sparked curiosity amongst people, you can catch the video here.