Wizkid Sets New Records as First African Artist to Hit 20 Billion Streams and 65 Million Units Sold

Nigerian music superstar, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has reached a historic milestone in his career, becoming the first African artist to surpass 20 billion global audio on-demand streams.

This achievement solidifies his position as one of the most influential figures in modern music, further cementing Afrobeats’ global dominance.

Wizkid’s groundbreaking 20 billion audio streams come from a diverse discography that spans over a decade, blending Afrobeats, R&B, reggae, and hip-hop. His 2016 collaboration with Drake on the global hit “One Dance” significantly contributed to this figure, with the track alone garnering over 2 billion streams on Spotify.

Other major hits like “Essence,” “Joro,” and “Come Closer” have also contributed to his global streaming success.

This record highlights the global appeal of Afrobeats, a genre that Wizkid has been instrumental in popularizing worldwide. The achievement marks a significant moment for African music, as it underscores the genre’s growing influence in mainstream pop culture.

In addition to his streaming success, Wizkid has also become Africa’s most awarded artist, with a staggering 174 awards to his name. His accolades include:
• Grammy Award: Best Music Video for his role in Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl”
• BET Awards: Four wins, including Best International Act
• MOBO Awards: Six wins, reflecting his dominance in the UK market
• Billboard Music Awards: Three wins, including Top R&B Song
• American Music Awards: Two wins, cementing his impact on the US market
• Headies Awards: The most awarded artist in the history of Nigeria’s premier music awards show

Wizkid’s impressive awards haul reflects his influence across various markets and his ability to consistently produce globally resonant hits.

Wizkid has also set another record as the best-selling Afrobeats artist, having sold over 65 million units globally.

This achievement places him among the top-selling African artists of all time, second only to Algerian singer Cheb Khaled in total sales.

Wizkid’s success is not just about numbers but also about cultural influence. He has played a critical role in bringing Afrobeats to mainstream global audiences, helping to redefine the global music landscape.

His pioneering efforts have paved the way for other African artists to achieve similar international success, creating a lasting legacy for the genre.

As Wizkid continues to break barriers and set new records, his journey serves as a powerful example of the global potential of African music.

With his influence showing no signs of slowing down, fans and industry watchers alike are eager to see what the future holds for the Afrobeats icon.