| "Sensational" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single byChris Brown featuringDavido andLojay | ||||
| from the album11:11 | ||||
| Released | October 20, 2023 | |||
| Recorded | 2023 | |||
| Genre | Afrobeats | |||
| Length | 3:51 | |||
| Label |
| |||
| Songwriters | ||||
| Producer | Phillip "DJ Hardwerk" Constable | |||
| Chris Brown singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Sensational" onYouTube | ||||
"Sensational" is a song by American singerChris Brown from his eleventh studio album11:11. The song was released as the album's second single on October 20, 2023, under CBE. It features guest vocals from Nigerian singersDavido andLojay.[1]
The song was written by Chris Brown,Sean Kingston, Davido and Lojay, while its production was handled by DJ Hardwerk. "Sensational" is anAfrobeats song, featuringromantic lyrical content. Critical reception towards the song was positive, with critics complimenting the artists' performances and its production. "Sensational" marked Davido and Lojay's first entry on the USBillboard Hot 100, and Brown's 117th. Its accompanying music video was released alongside the song, and was directed by videographer Child. The song won twoNAACP Image Awards.
On October 13, 2023, Brown posted pictures of a then-upcoming music video on hisInstagram account, teasing on the caption the release of "sensational new music". Four days prior to the song's release, on October 16, Brown unveiled it as the second single from11:11, along with its title, featured artists and release date, posting a video on his Instagram account where he performs a choreography for it with his dancing crew.[1]
Brown andDavido already worked on several songs together prior to "Sensational", including "Blow My Mind", "Lower Body", "Under the Influence", "Shopping Spree" and "Nobody Has to Know". The song also marks the second collaboration between Brown andLojay, following the 2022 remix of the latter's single "Monalisa".
"Sensational" is anAfrobeats song,[2][3] produced by DJ Hardwerk, featuring guest appearances from Nigerian singersDavido andLojay. The song was written by its performers alongside Jamaican singerSean Kingston. "Sensational" features a "percussion-driven" production,[2] and its "romantic" lyrical content contains "words of reassurance and affection to their beloved".[3][4] Kayla Sandiford ofRenowned for Sound described the song's composition as "jumpy lightheartedness".[2] According toRevolt, the track is characterized by "Brown’s infectious harmonies and straight-to-the-point subject matter".[5]HotNewHipHop noted that the song "features tropical vibes".[6]
The single received positive reviews.Essence highlighted the song, calling it an "impressive single".[7]Billboard defined the track as a "sugary anthem", saying that "Sensational" is the type of song that "made [Chris Brown] R&B’s ultimate casanova".[8] Mya Singleton ofYardbarker stated that the song features the singer "in pure Breezy form".[9] Edward Bowser ofMedium called "Sensational" the best Afrobeats track on11:11.[10]NotJustOk praised the artists' performances and DJ Hardwerk's production, calling the song "an auditory delight that fully lives up to its name, as it showcases the musical prowess and synergy of these three remarkable acts".[4]P.M. News defined it a “truly remarkable” collaboration, stating that the featured artists on "Sensational" “deliver scorching verses that elevate the song to new heights.”[11]
On October 20, 2023, Brown released "Sensational" along with its music video, directed by videographer Child.[12]Rap Radar described it as “elegant”, praising Brown's “striking dance moves”.[13]
| Year | Ceremony | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration (Contemporary) | Won | [14] |
| Outstanding Music Video | Won | [15] | ||
| BET Awards | Viewer's Choice Award | Nominated | [16] | |
| MTV Video Music Awards | Best Afrobeats | Nominated | [17] | |
| 2025 | Grammy Awards | Best African Music Performance | Nominated | [18] |
On January 30, 2024, "Sensational" debuted at number 96 on the USBillboard Hot 100, serving as Davido and Lojay's first entry on the chart, and Brown's 117th.[19][20] On February 20, 2024, the single re-entered theBillboard Hot 100 at 94. On the chart dated March 16, 2024, "Sensational" toppedBillboard’sMainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart, marking Brown's 19th number-one on that chart.[21]
Weekly charts[edit]
| Year-end charts[edit]
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| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand (RMNZ)[37] | Gold | 15,000‡ |
| Nigeria (TCSN)[38] | Silver | 25,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[39] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
| Studio albums |
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| EPs |
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| Singles | |
| Featured singles | |
| Related articles | |
