Nigerian music sensation Wizkid has etched his name in the records of global music history by becoming the first African artist to surpass an astounding 9 billion streams on Spotify. This monumental achievement not only reinforces Wizkid’s position as a titan in Afrobeats but also marks a defining moment in the global recognition of African music and its influence on contemporary soundscapes.
A Milestone Decade in the Making
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, began his music journey in the early 2000s in Lagos, Nigeria. While he enjoyed regional success with early hits like “Holla at Your Boy” and “Tease Me,” it was his consistent evolution and international collaborations that transformed him from a local star to a global music powerhouse. The 9 billion-stream milestone on Spotify represents more than just numbers—it is the result of over a decade of hard work, genre-defining artistry, and the steady rise of Afrobeats on the global stage.
Spotify, one of the world’s leading music streaming platforms, is widely considered a major benchmark for measuring an artist’s international success. For an African artist to cross the 9 billion mark is unprecedented and underscores Wizkid’s ability to connect with audiences far beyond the continent.
The “One Dance” Effect
A significant portion of Wizkid’s streaming success can be traced to his landmark 2016 collaboration with Drake and Kyla on the global smash hit “One Dance.” The song, a blend of dancehall, Afrobeats, and pop, catapulted all three artists into a new stratosphere of international fame. “One Dance” currently boasts over 3.7 billion streams on Spotify alone, making it one of the most streamed songs in the platform’s history.
The track also earned a Guinness World Record for being the first single to exceed 1 billion streams on Spotify. Wizkid's contribution was a defining feature of the song’s global appeal. For many international listeners, it marked their first exposure to Afrobeats, opening the door for wider appreciation of African music genres.
While “One Dance” served as a breakout moment for Wizkid in the global market, it was not a one-hit wonder. Instead, it laid the foundation for his continued rise and consistent performance in the years to come.
Following the success of “One Dance,” Wizkid continued to release acclaimed projects and singles that expanded his global footprint. His 2020 album “Made in Lagos” was a turning point, featuring tracks like “Essence” (featuring Tems), which became a cultural phenomenon. Dubbed “the song of the summer” by many in 2021, “Essence” earned a remix featuring Justin Bieber and became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, eventually peaking in the top 10.
Beyond his solo work, Wizkid’s collaborations with a wide range of global artists—including Beyoncé (“Brown Skin Girl”), Skepta, Damian Marley, and Major Lazer—have further broadened his reach. His ability to seamlessly blend Afrobeats with elements of pop, reggae, R&B, and hip-hop has helped him transcend genre limitations and reach audiences across continents.
Wizkid’s 9 billion Spotify streams are emblematic of something far greater than commercial success—they represent the growing global appetite for African music and the dismantling of geographical barriers in the music industry. Afrobeats is no longer niche; it is a force in global pop culture, and Wizkid stands at the forefront of this movement.
He has paved the way for a new generation of African artists who are now enjoying their own international acclaim. Wizkid's trailblazing efforts have not only opened doors but also shifted perceptions, showing that African artists can headline festivals, win prestigious awards, and dominate streaming charts on their own terms.