Global music icon and Nigerian superstar, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has once again cemented his legendary status by surpassing 9 billion streams across all credits on Spotify. This monumental feat makes him the first African artist to ever reach such a milestone on the world’s largest music streaming platform.
Wizkid, whose influence has transcended the borders of Africa into the heart of the global music scene, achieved this record thanks to a catalog of internationally acclaimed hits, collaborations with global superstars, and a strong fanbase that stretches across continents.
‘One Dance’ Sets the Pace
The Afrobeat trailblazer’s most streamed track to date is ‘One Dance’, his 2016 global smash hit collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake and British singer Kyla. The record has amassed an astonishing 3.7 billion streams on Spotify, placing it among the top 10 most streamed songs of all time on the platform.
‘One Dance’ not only introduced Wizkid to a broader global audience, but also earned him a place in the Guinness World Records for being part of the first single in Spotify history to exceed 1 billion streams. The track played a crucial role in ushering Afrobeat into mainstream Western pop culture, paving the way for other African artists to gain international recognition.
‘Essence’ Becomes a Cultural Phenomenon
Among Wizkid’s most successful solo efforts is the critically acclaimed hit ‘Essence’, featuring Nigerian songstress Tems. The track, from his Grammy-nominated 2020 album Made in Lagos, has garnered over 303 million streams on Spotify alone. It has been widely celebrated as a cultural anthem, receiving praise from celebrities and music critics alike.
‘Essence’ became the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, and its remix featuring Canadian-American pop star Justin Bieber further expanded its reach. The song was also listed on several “Best Songs of the Year” charts globally and earned nominations at prestigious music award ceremonies.
A Legacy in Numbers
Wizkid’s journey on Spotify exemplifies the global appeal of African music, especially Afrobeat, which he has helped redefine and globalize. With five studio albums, countless features, and multiple international awards to his name, his music continues to resonate with a diverse global audience.
Some of Wizkid’s other highly streamed songs on Spotify include:
- ‘Come Closer’ featuring Drake – Over 150 million streams
- ‘Joro’ – Over 120 million streams
- ‘Ginger’ featuring Burna Boy – Over 100 million streams
- ‘Mood’ featuring Buju (BNXN) – Over 90 million streams
Each release adds another layer to Wizkid’s growing legacy and global influence, as he continues to push the boundaries of what African artists can achieve on the international stage.
Trailblazing the Afrobeat Movement
Wizkid’s success story is deeply intertwined with the meteoric rise of Afrobeat over the past decade. Alongside other African music heavyweights like Burna Boy, Davido, and Tiwa Savage, Wizkid has been instrumental in transforming Afrobeat from a local genre to a global phenomenon.
His collaborations with international artists such as Chris Brown, Skepta, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and H.E.R. have exposed African rhythms and culture to millions of listeners worldwide. His feature on Beyoncé’s Brown Skin Girl earned him a Grammy Award in 2021, further solidifying his international acclaim.
African Excellence on a Global Stage
With this latest Spotify milestone, Wizkid becomes not only the most streamed African artist of all time, but also one of the few artists globally to hit the 9 billion stream mark. He joins the ranks of global megastars such as Taylor Swift, Drake, Bad Bunny, and The Weeknd, who dominate digital streaming statistics.
Currently, American pop superstar Taylor Swift remains the most streamed artist on Spotify, with over 1.5 billion streams in 2024 alone. However, Wizkid’s achievement reflects a significant shift in global listening habits and growing demand for African sounds.
Looking Ahead
As the music industry continues to evolve, Wizkid remains at the forefront of innovation, cultural relevance, and sonic experimentation. With anticipation building for his upcoming projects and potential global tours, fans and industry insiders alike believe the best is yet to come.
Wizkid’s triumph on Spotify is not just a personal victory—it is a win for the African music industry, Afrobeat culture, and a new generation of African artists looking to make their mark on the world.
His historic 9 billion streams serve as a powerful reminder that talent, originality, and cultural authenticity can resonate on a global scale—and that African artists are not just participating in the global music conversation, but leading it.
