Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar Ayodeji Balogun, famously known as Wizkid, has once again etched his name in history, becoming the first African artist to surpass an estimated 20 billion global audio on-demand streams.
This monumental achievement was confirmed by Chart Masters, an international music monitoring platform that tracks the streaming performance of artists worldwide.
“Wizkid has set an incredible standard, not just for Afrobeats but for African music as a whole,” a Chart Masters spokesperson stated.
“To cross 20 billion streams is a testament to his global influence and the widespread appeal of his music.”
Wizkid’s streaming success is anchored by his feature on Canadian superstar Drake’s iconic hit, ‘One Dance,’ which also features British singer Kyla.
This track alone accounts for a massive share of his streaming numbers, boasting over 3.628 billion streams on Spotify.
The song is not just a streaming giant; it also holds a Guinness World Record as the first song to surpass one billion streams on the platform.
Reflecting on this achievement, Wizkid shared in an interview, “I never imagined how far ‘One Dance’ would go. It’s a blessing to be part of something so iconic.
But beyond that, I’m proud that African music is reaching corners of the world it never touched before.”
But Wizkid’s accolades don’t stop there. He is also the first African artist to receive the prestigious Brit Billion Award, an honor reserved for artists who surpass one billion audio on-demand streams in the United Kingdom.
This milestone is another feather in his already decorated cap and a testament to his enduring influence in global music.
“This is for Africa, this is for my people,” Wizkid declared during his acceptance speech for the Brit Billion Award.
“Every milestone I hit is a reminder that our stories, our sounds, and our spirit are being heard worldwide.”
With over 65 million units sold globally, Wizkid remains the best-selling Afrobeats artist in history.
His music has consistently bridged cultural divides, blending Afrobeats with international sounds, earning him a dedicated fan base across continents.
“Wizkid’s journey is nothing short of phenomenal,” commented a music industry analyst. “He has transformed Afrobeats from a local genre to a global sensation.”
As he continues to set new records and shatter existing ones, Wizkid’s legacy as a pioneer of African music on the world stage is undeniable.
