"Finesse" is a song by Nigerian record producer Pheelz. It was uploaded on TikTok in February 2022 and commercially released on 3 March 2022, through Riidiimacool.[1] The song was produced by Miichkel and features vocals from Nigerian Afro-fusion singer Bnxn. During its debut week, the record gained popularity across TikTok in Europe and America, with the #FolakeChallenge hashtag.[2]
It was ranked at number one on TheCable's list of 10 TCL radio pick of the week,[3] and number two on Music in Africa's top Afrobeats songs of 2022.[4] On 2 March 2022, the song was premiered on BBC Radio 1Xtra by DJ Edu on the Destination Africa program.[5] It debuted at number 131 on the Billboard Global 200,[6] and at number 106 on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart.[7]
Background
In a conversation with Pulse Nigeria music author, Motolani Alake, Pheelz said, "I was hanging out in the studio with a newly signed producer, Miichkel (MikeGoCrazy) when he played the beat. So, I added the melody, lyrics, and layers to the chorus. The final sound was so good I had to share a snippet on TikTok and other social media platforms that same night." He added, "Buju (now. Bnxn) hit me up after seeing the video on TikTok, so I asked him for a verse and he came through!"[8]
Commercial performance
In its debut week, "Finesse" peaked at number ten on the US World Digital Song Sales chart, for the week of 19 March 2022.[9] On 5 March 2022, the record peaked at number one in ten countries, including Dominica, Benin Republic, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Uganda,[10] and charted on 36 other countries on Apple Music, including within the top 40 of the UK Apple Music chart.[11] It debuted at number 131 on the Billboard Global 200,[6] and at number 106 on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart.[7]
"Finesse" debuted on Nigeria's Spotify Top 50 chart at number one,[10] global Apple Music Top 100 at number forty,[10] and was the most Shazamed song in the world on 8 March 2022.[12] It debuted at number one on the TurnTable Top 50 chart,[13]UK Afrobeats Singles Chart,[14] and number fifty-two on the UK Singles Chart.[15] The record also debuted at number nine on the TurnTable Top 50 Airplay on 15 March,[16] and debuted on number forty-four on the TurnTable Top 50 Streaming Songs on 9 March 2022.[17]
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