Ray Uriel Performs "Essence" by Wizkid ft. Tems | The Voice Playoffs | NBC

Ray Uriel performs "Essence" by Wizkid featuring Tems during The Voice Playoffs.
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ABOUT THE VOICE
Grammy Award-winning hip-hop star Chance the Rapper and platinum-selling singer-songwriter Niall Horan claim their red chairs alongside returning coaches Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton as they vie to discover and coach the next singing phenomenon. The competition is tougher than ever as Shelton goes for the win in his final season.
Ray Uriel Performs "Essence" by Wizkid ft. Tems | The Voice Playoffs | NBC
• Ray Uriel Performs "Es...
The Voice
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[@solangeedegbe4150]

As a Nigerian who listens to afrobeats and sees covers of it get ruined by people everyday, this is the best cover of this song I’ve ever heard. Beautiful arrangement.

[@Ayahabib96]

Can you please suggest the best afrobeat music? I’m Egyptian and just getting into Nigerian music it’s fire 🔥

[@joanngomba4493]

You can also check out Tzy Panchak, Elisha K, Stanley Enow, Blanche Bailly, Davido, Tems, Buju,

[@joanngomba4493]

You can also check out Tzy Panchak, Elisha K, Stanley Enow, Blanche Bailly, Davido, Tems, Buju,

[@joanngomba4493]

You can also check out Tzy Panchak, Elisha K, Stanley Enow, Blanche Bailly, Davido, Tems, Buju,

[@joanngomba4493]

You can also check out Tzy Panchak, Elisha K, Stanley Enow, Blanche Bailly, Davido, Tems, Buju,

[@mjphan661]

I really think Chance should come back next season. He’s doing such a good job with his singers.

[@Morgan-yr8fi]

He eliminates the best ones though.

[@callumcub5482]

@@Morgan-yr8fi fr Kala was robbed

[@lily-rosefreeman-dehart7525]

Agreed him and Niall are amazing

[@1keineshaw]

His team his so great.

[@lily-rosefreeman-dehart7525]

💚

[@juditharrington3502]

this song was perfect for him...he killed it...and Chance is a great coach

[@lily-rosefreeman-dehart7525]

Agreed

[@trueeternallbeauty6220]

Yes he song it so effortlessly and smooth ❤

[@robertantonnyc]

sounding like he's the recording, such tender slippery riffs, tone infused with passion. They built this into a Superstar RnB performance. Beautiful arrangement!! - So You Wanna Be A Singer

[@xkastl3z]

bruh slippery riffs, I love that description! It's so true

[@robertantonnyc]

@@xkastl3z Thank you!

[@Tigooooooooooo]

Id love you to be a judge someday been seeing your comments for years

[@robertantonnyc]

@@Tigooooooooooo Put in a good word for me.

[@tochidioka6019]

As a Nigerian, I didn't know Afrobeats can be performed like this. I think I prefer this version. It's smoothhh

[@kenzo_lee]

I agree with you this rendition is really smooth but i wouldn’t say i prefer it this way thou cause it would no longer be Afro beat instead R&B …. We have to love the Art for what it is “Afro beat” 🙏🏾

[@everydayhen]

Definitely not into Afrobeat to prefer this version

[@kenzo_lee]

@@everydayhen yeah exactly

[@rubbingminds]

Exactly!

[@oziomaezenwa637]

His voice just completely changed how you think of the lyrics!!!

[@ashleyvinatea6533]

The beginning was giving me Usher, Neyo, Mario, so smoooooth love this. This generation needs their own R&B king

[@MiklehMouse]

Yes exactly my thoughts! Ray needs to bring back real R & B music back to the airwaves...

[@sheldonthomas1951]

This is clearly Ray's best performance on the voice, he has definitely shown the biggest improvement in everyone. Hats off to Chance for seeing his potential.

[@lily-rosefreeman-dehart7525]

He’s amazing

[@lily-rosefreeman-dehart7525]

@@christophergardner1771 cool

[@lily-rosefreeman-dehart7525]

Agreed

[@lily-rosefreeman-dehart7525]

💚

[@noivaswright]

My little bro. Ray, you are such a silent killer. Your tone, your presence, and the space you take up is breathtaking. Music NEEDS you. I cannot wait to hear your first album because I know it will be exceptional. You are such a special person and I am so glad The Voice brought us together. I'll see you in the lives, brother. So proud of you. #Season23

[@1prettyladyofgrace7]

Savion, you’re pretty phenomenal yourself; your tonight’s performance left me speechless‼️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@cec024]

silent killer is right!!! this man can SINGGG (and so you can you NOIVAS i mean holy cow!!!) Amazing performance !!

[@patricaaronroneldevilla327]

Kala deserved better.

[@IdkT-ky3mf]

@@patricaaronroneldevilla327 maybe but with a team as talented as chance’s obviously at least one talented person would be going home.

[@IdkT-ky3mf]

@@taconzsa be nice

[@matthewetemad-gilbertson1342]

The look on Chance's face is everything here.... pride, joy and just being blown away. Ray Uriel is the real deal, FIRE!

[@winniejake144]

Nigerian here!! Not him turning an afrobeat song into rnb!! 🎉🎉 I love the arrangement. I was so hyped for someone singing tems song on the voice. Amazing job

[@ellenokoro9300]

It's by Big Wizkid, not tems.

[@karenl.forest7083]

R&B is alive and kicking***. He killed that arrangement ❤

[@oladmejiakogun1263]

Afrobeat not RnB

[@Nyaasclothing19]

You mean afrobeat right?

[@sunrae7680]

@@oladmejiakogun1263 R&B.

[@eraxsrecaps2742]

@@oladmejiakogun1263 This is an R&B rendition. That's not to say that the original version isn't Afrobeats. You just like wahala.

[@promiseogugbara4064]

Chance is a great coach. His dynamics and arrangement to any song is top notch.

[@basiratoyinlola5471]

As a Nigerian and as an afrobeat lover, I'm mesmerized by this performance. This is the best version of it that I've heard so far. I know Wizkid will be proud of you when he listens to this cover.

[@kingboobz6701]

From a one chair turn to one of the best on the show!!

[@NamasteGolden]

I need the audio to this!!! Omg he NEEDS to get in the studio and release this.

[@MiklehMouse]

Yes!!!!!

[@adewoleabdulrasaq6130]

He smashed the song👌🔥🔥👏👏👏👏 Wizkid should be proud.... we are proud of you as a Nigerian 🇳🇬

[@lily-rosefreeman-dehart7525]

❤️

[@fredrickeneji8173]

Chance unarguably the best coach of this season. Hope we see more of him in future seasons. We could do with his innovative and fresh approach to this show.

[@georgesamuel8361]

As a Nigerian, I am impressed by how Ray managed to convert this Afrobeats masterpiece to an RnB masterpiece. Often times, Afrobeats songs are ruined by American and European covers, but this made me proud. #TeamRay

[@TheTruthO9]

It's R&B which is sometimes fused with hip hop. There are artists in the United States that still does pure R&B. It's the culture but we don't call any of that afrobeats. I'm a producer that does R&B and hip hop

[@Moormores]

STFU... without us, you have nothing.

[@veroade2856]

@@TheTruthO9 There are certain cultural arrangements and even sometimes instruments used in actual Afrobeats that you won’t find in R&B and HipHop. This particular rendition is however R&B. Is there some instrumentation in Afrobeats inspired by African American music? Sure. But there are also subtle cultural innuendos coming from Africa hidden within Afrobeats that you may not be able to pick up on because it’s not the culture you know.

[@veroade2856]

@@TheTruthO9 For example the bass in the original composition mimics the sound of a Nigerian talking drum, these are the underlying sounds of Africa. kzbin.infoNc7PRQUSejU?feature=share

[@TheTruthO9]

@VeroAde I guess you're not going to give up. The original version was as you say afrobeats and the artist Wizkid is Nigerian. I get that, but the version done by Ray " the voice contestant " was pure R&B‼️💯👈🏾 Even Ray's vocals were soulful R&B and in my opinion his vocals were better than the original artist Wizkid. That R&B flavor does it all the time. They kept the melody and flip it to R&B

[@arnett256]

I searched this video to rewatch endlessly. First time ever doing that. Ray is up next

[@nattanishatanudsintum9987]

Wow I need this version of this song as a record now. I really can't stop listening, it's that good.

[@oyeyemiayeyemi6809]

Isn't this the best feel ever. I have played them 10times already and I am not done. Just so sweet. Wizkid needs to watch this

[@tammysmith7517]

We need more of the R&B back in our world. Beautiful tone and melts like butter . ❤

[@marcos7801]

Somebody, Please sign this guy to a contract already. R.Uriel makes the band look good, the background singers look good, and himself look AND sound Amazing when he performs on stage.

[@Cdynmar]

I’m legit shedding tears!!!!!! Afrobeats to the world!!!!!!!! He killed it. Goshhhhhhhh! I have chillsssssssss

[@forzaspeciale5026]

As Nigerian and a wizkid/tems stan, take your flower babe 🌹🌹🌹🌹💐💐💐💐💐💐💐🌷🌷🌷🌷🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻🌻

[@stevenbeck]

RAY URIEL! I can’t remember a time where there has been a bigger improvement from the blinds to now. That was sensational on so many levels. Truly deserves to be in the Top 8

[@comfort_nelson]

Woah! Our Nigerian song made it to the voice US stage and got a standing ovation. Great job Ray!🔥🔥🔥

[@anomalyg]

This is a hard song to do. Because it is specifically for wiz voice. And he really did this beautifully!! Smooth!

[@juditharrington3502]

I prefer Ray's voice on this song...he made it so sensual...baby making song And he presents with class.

[@anomalyg]

@Judith Arrington I absolutely agree with you. I like both, but I actually heard the original today and heard the difference. Ray sings this absolutely beautifully. Slowed it down. And his voice is so pure. I hope we get to see him go further. Enjoy the rest of your day.

[@morgan1646]

Ray literally ate this up.

[@TheKing-wg8qy]

As an African who listens to this song...wow best cover ever felt like a new song but in a great way #effortless wooow

[@alfamohammed828]

As a Nigerian, thanks you Ray for making this song sound beautiful in your own way.......Beautiful performance

[@benniberryagh340]

I am a Nigerian and I am super proud of what he has done with the song. The melodies were nice and his choices were excellent

[@danielleroesch8804]

Replayed this like four times in a row so far. There's a power and presence in his understated, smooth, and soulful delivery. Could absolutely imagine Ray getting a lot of radio play with something like this.

[@karenl.forest7083]

sameness ❤

[@BettyCarterFan]

IKR!!!

[@aleroogoru7150]

Proudly🇳🇬.. glad to hear this🔥

[@omotosomichael5179]

Wizkic would be proud. He owned the song and took it with so much tenderness. With love from Nigeria

[@barbaraw1605]

Chance u are the man. Ray sounded like he was in a recording studio. I’m sooo glad, you heard what no other coach could hear. Chance have really proven yourself worthy of being a Voice Coach. I’m thinking u have a really good shot of having the Voice Winner on your team. Congrats to Ray and u. Awesome combination !

[@islandQueen246]

Wow. This is 90’s R&B right here! Ray is SO DANG GOOD!!!

[@nanfefalum5084]

He’s a miracle worker

[@oladmejiakogun1263]

Am happy to be alive to witness a day Afrobeat song can be sung on a world stage!

[@minneavbenake1288]

As a Nigerian, this really made me smile. He did justice to the song.

[@ashnasyrius1801]

he did that!!

[@DChia-nn2ib]

I got all chills 😮❤ His voice has that 90's R&B smoothness, sooooo gooood 👏🏻🔥

[@teblezrowe5099]

I will always watch this one over and over again

[@valentinavizcarrondo7498]

he truly deserves being on top 8. his improvement every time he performs is amazing. rooting for him on the live shows. 🙌🏻

[@sarahpenny3091]

QMG AWESOMENESS 😍

[@efrenmoreno3]

NOT over KALA

[@PintheDog]

@@efrenmoreno3 Ray did a fine job here, but Kala still should've made the Playoffs over him. Chance's two choices shouldve been Kala and Sorelle.

[@efrenmoreno3]

@@PintheDog EXACTLY! Like cmon, Ray did improve but Kala was even a Front runner😭😭😭 But im glad Gina won cuz the finale i was disappointed lol Grace and Gina & Should of been Holly too

[@JazzyJazz7724]

Im so happy Chance picked him!!! Yessss #TeamRay

[@alyssamari333]

haven’t even started the video and I know this is about to be so good.

[@alyssamari333]

and I was correct. WOW.

[@lashiekjackson1580]

Ray performance is top tier. His voice is so pure and melodic. I've watched this video a million times. I wish i could give it a million likes. The arrangement was mesmerizing. Team Ray for sure 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@Su-le8nh]

Yall dont understand how much ray improved from beginning to now! it's INSANE. I see him winning the whole thing.

[@MiklehMouse]

I agree! I hope Ray wins it all. He's worked so hard for this and kudos to Chance for believing in him. He's brilliant. He can sense and hear the potential and talent when he hears it This is straight up R & B 🔥!!!

[@leoprouductionz]

Brilliant song choice! He really made it his own. ❤ LOVE LOVE LOVE his tone.

[@danielike5105]

Honestly dear... I love his tone so much. ❤❤❤

[@userunknown1578]

I really liked Ray on this song... Easily his best performance of the season.

[@poeticpoems1234]

I totally agree! He is amazing 🥇

[@chinenyevictoria4686]

Chance is an amazing coach❤❤❤❤ He heard great potential in this guy's voice before he turned

[@amandlambangxa2618]

This arrangement 🤌🏾🤩🔥🔥🔥 I can’t get over it!! ❤️

[@tiredbitch317]

Wow! That’s better than most signed artists! Just Wow!

[@YvesRena]

Nah.. this arrangement is fire! 🔥🔥

[@poeticpoems1234]

First time I ever HEARD the words, to this song clearly.What a gift to be able to sing and make people feel what you sing. Ray already won as far as I'm concerned 🥇 I truly believe Chance will put out music with Uriel. There's no one in the music game like him. There WAS that kind of talent 30,40, and even 50 years ago when singers saaaang😊 but Today... there's only Ray. I wish him all the best!

[@BettyCarterFan]

I really hope so. This was soooooo good!

[@juditharrington3502]

it was soooo good, gave me Teddy Pendergras vibes...Ray and Chance slowed this song down to draw you in..and it did. And on another note, Ray always looks so good, stylin' and profilin'.

[@selo1153]

Probably the first time a song by a Nigerian is been sung here. So tastefully done🎉

[@nattanishatanudsintum9987]

0:58 When he said 'I don't know why you're the one', I FELT it

[@angieleemans8316]

Yes Ray ❤

[@chandlersaied1608]

Bro chance is so good with his arrangements this is crazy

[@patricklloyd317]

Dude was on point. Tone was so good. Great song choice

[@oguanyxwp8782]

soooo good 🤌✨

[@gulfcoastpapi6567]

Bringing that Babyface RNB back baby!!!

[@gabriellaowusu1886]

Ray if you don’t win this then I don’t know derrrrmmmmm❤❤❤❤

[@sdd35424]

Get this man on the radio immediately ❤

[@chizaram1445]

I'm screaming 😱 Don't know what happened to Ray but it was for the best. This is better than the original please. The acoustic brought such feel and soul to it. Well done bro.

[@collinssadyalunda3203]

His best performance so far....cant wait to support him as an artist

[@kilortoe1060]

Loved this song they play it everyday on the radio

[@annawright9376]

Cant get enough need the whole song too short... damn😊

[@bonideraj]

As a Nigerian,im very impressed

[@shakaylashivers]

This is the best version of this song I've ever heard!!! NO JOKE!

[@fredrickeneji8173]

Facts

[@pooppoop6248]

I was questioning Ray in the auditions but he had the best performance of the night Imo

[@jennas7412]

I’m so so happy he made it through!! I was like “PICK RAY!….. Ray, Ray, Ray!!” Lol He has an amazing voice!

[@Emerica.]

Pure 90s nostalgia

[@cgage_01]

Smooth as butter, soft as rain.... this guy has what it takes to go all the way. Loved this

[@gitongagichane9292]

Chance is a great coach....he should be included next season....I love his team.....much love from 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@lisagomes2202]

Jay… if you read this just know this…You’re performance was phenomenal tonite. I’ve always loved this song but my goodness you you added a whole other level of sexiness to this track . THANK YOU FOR THIS & here’s to your continued success.

[@kamilaputri5646]

I'm so addicted to his voice, it's literally butter

[@arnett256]

I can’t wait to hear your album, Ray

[@MissSassie]

If this dude had a an album rn I would by it, he has the type of voice I could listen to all day! LOVE IT! ❤❤❤

[@DaChillSpot-MacMechi]

Best I've seen. 🔥 the background singers also...geeeez bro. U made it In my book. Checking in from the mountains of Arkansas. I got the chills listening also

[@shekusandraiyop5664]

There is something smooth and swift about chance’s team. They are like this because he is also a producer I guess ❤

[@rhondahalliburton2456]

I am sorry I missed this young man. Wow I’m voting for you Son. That was a beautiful version ❤❤❤❤

[@idara_id]

This is the most beautiful arrangement I’ve ever heard! Wow!!!!

[@jaimeponton5033]

Right now, he is the one contestant I can hear on current radio.

[@keyondavis7241]

Never heard of this song but Ray fit well into it.

[@chimdinduchime669]

It’s a Nigerian song ❤ Really popular

[@anbmuigai8716]

You should listen to afrobeats 😊

[@lovelynnyibe6471]

Love from🇳🇬 I love this cover

[@adoniyahbenjamin5239]

This was fire!!!! So soft yet so powerful and buttery smooth....there is an earnestness to his voice makes him sound almost like he is pleading but there an underlying demand as well, almost command to listen.....understand "you don't need no other body"

[@dylansousa5571]

Ray is a great singer

[@beeabban8135]

Ray you sound so good I hope you win Everything you did with that song was on point I could hear this song over and over again

[@augustinetsogbey6204]

Nice arrangement. So smooth, loving Ray's voice on this song. I keep playing it over and over again. Wizkid will be so proud of you brother. Great coaching Chance 👍 Ray Uriel all the way. Can't wait for your next performance brother 😇

[@irmarfrank1005]

Simply WOW!! MAD VOCALS. The win.

[@sharonosos]

Nigeria to the world babyyyy, I feel so proud 🥺❤❤

[@timedema9492]

One of my favorite Songs✨🥹 Thanks for doing Justice to My Essence🙏✨❤️‍🔥

[@tamekamartin1697]

Eat Ray Eat❤❤❤ 🎉🎉

[@MiklehMouse]

He came hungry and he ATE!!!

[@isiromer1343]

Wow just wow Ray! Your voice is truly amazing and special. Your my favourite. I hope you win! ❤🎉🎊❤❤

[@ruthaddo]

Aww glad I have song from an African. Wizkid ❤

[@michaelflinn7784]

Omg, so smooth, so beautiful. I could listen to him for days 😊

[@tylerjaybelize]

He turn an Afrobeat song into amazing and beautiful R&B version of it and it sounds really beautiful ❤️❤️😍🎶👏🏾

[@gila2753]

Such a good voice oh my god

[@dukesing4289]

The vocals omG jeez