CKay’s sensational hit ‘Love Nwantiti’ continues to dominate as the highest-selling Nigerian song in the United States, an incredible milestone in the global music industry.
The song, which gained immense popularity after going viral on TikTok in 2021, has transcended borders to become a cultural phenomenon. Selling over 8 million units in the United States alone, ‘Love Nwantiti’ has elevated CKay to the top of the list of Nigerian artists making waves internationally.
This achievement not only showcases CKay’s talent but also underscores the growing global appetite for Afrobeats, a genre that has become synonymous with Nigerian pop music.
The record-breaking success of ‘Love Nwantiti’ has positioned it as the most certified Nigerian song in the United States. With over 8 million units sold, the track is well on its way to earning the prestigious diamond certification, a first for Afrobeats.
This groundbreaking accomplishment reflects the song’s widespread appeal and its ability to resonate with audiences worldwide. CKay’s triumph serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other Nigerian artists seeking to establish a foothold in the competitive global music market.
Joining CKay in the ranks of Nigerian artists making history in the United States is Grammy-winning superstar Wizkid. His chart-topping single ‘Essence,’ featuring Tems and Justin Bieber, has sold over 4 million units, making it the second highest-selling Nigerian song in the country.
The track’s success, marked by its entry into the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, demonstrates Wizkid’s ability to bridge cultural divides and appeal to diverse audiences. Additionally, Wizkid holds the title of the most certified Nigerian artist in the United States, with an impressive eight certifications that highlight his enduring influence on the global music stage.
Rema, another rising star in the Nigerian music scene, has made his mark as the third highest-selling Nigerian artist in the United States. His mega-hit ‘Calm Down’ has surpassed 5 million units in sales and achieved six-times RIAA platinum certification.
The song has set numerous records, including becoming the first track by an African artist to garner over 1 billion streams in the United States. These accomplishments underscore Rema’s exceptional talent and the growing international recognition of Afrobeats as a dominant force in the music industry.
The success of ‘Calm Down’ extends beyond streaming and sales figures. The track holds the distinction of being the highest-charting Nigerian song on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3. It is also the first African song to spend more than 52 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, a testament to its enduring popularity.
Additionally, ‘Calm Down’ achieved the remarkable feat of topping Billboard’s radio chart, further cementing its place in music history and demonstrating the limitless potential of Nigerian artists on the global stage.
Other Nigerian musicians have also made significant strides in the international music arena. Tems holds the distinction of being the first Nigerian artist to debut on the Billboard Hot 100, paving the way for greater representation of African artists on global charts.
Burna Boy, renowned for his ability to blend traditional African sounds with contemporary music, has the most Hot 100 entries of any Nigerian act, reflecting his consistent global appeal.
Meanwhile, Davido’s groundbreaking single ‘Fall’ became the first Nigerian song to receive RIAA Gold certification, solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in exporting Nigerian music to the world. These collective achievements illustrate the remarkable growth of Afrobeats and the transformative impact of Nigerian artists on the global music landscape.
