Afrobeats megastar Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has etched his name in music history yet again by becoming the first African artiste to hit 9 billion streams across all credits on Spotify, a remarkable milestone that reaffirms his global dominance.
The feat solidifies Wizkid’s position not just as a Nigerian icon but as one of Africa’s most streamed and influential artists on the world stage. Known for his smooth fusion of Afrobeats with global pop, R&B, and dancehall influences, Wizkid’s catalog has continued to draw listeners from all corners of the globe.
At the heart of his record-breaking numbers is the international smash hit ‘One Dance’, his chart-topping collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake and British singer Kyla. The song alone has garnered a staggering 3.7 billion streams, making it Wizkid’s most streamed song on the platform.
‘One Dance’ also sits comfortably among the top 10 most streamed songs of all time on Spotify, and it previously earned a Guinness World Record as the first single to surpass 1 billion streams on the platform, a groundbreaking moment for global music and a landmark for African representation.
While ‘One Dance’ leads the charge, Wizkid’s own discography boasts impressive numbers. His 2020 hit ‘Essence’, featuring fellow Nigerian sensation Tems, holds the title of Wizkid’s most streamed lead single on Spotify with over 303 million streams. The song not only became a global summer anthem but also marked a cultural shift, bringing Afrobeats into mainstream American radio and earning praise from international stars like Justin Bieber, who later jumped on a remix.
Despite this major milestone, American pop superstar Taylor Swift currently holds the crown as Spotify’s most streamed artist, boasting over 1.5 billion streams.
Still, for the African continent, Wizkid’s latest achievement marks a proud moment, one that underscores Afrobeats’ global impact and the steady rise of African music on international platforms. With his ever-growing fan base and a catalog that continues to resonate worldwide, Wizkid’s 9-billion-stream milestone is not just a personal win but a celebration for the entire African music industry.
