Nigerian music icon Wizkid has etched his name deeper into the history books, achieving an unprecedented feat that solidifies his global stature. In early November 2025, the Grammy-winning star became the first African artist ever to cross 100 million Shazams, marking a monumental moment for the entire Afrobeats genre.
From Ojuelegba to Global Domination
This remarkable record was confirmed in the first week of November, arriving just weeks after Wizkid dropped a new collaborative project with DJ Tunez and DJ Maphorisa. This achievement is not an isolated event but the culmination of over a decade of crafting music that resonates far beyond the African continent. His catalogue on the music recognition platform Shazam is a testament to his enduring relevance and global appeal.
Two tracks stand out as monumental pillars in this journey. His Grammy-nominated single 'Essence' remains one of the most Shazamed Afrobeats songs in history. Furthermore, his pivotal feature on Drake's global smash hit 'One Dance' continues to be a powerhouse, still ranking among the Top 100 most Shazamed songs of all time. These records served as critical gateways, introducing Wizkid's distinctive sound to millions of new listeners across the world.
Wizkid's Unstoppable 2025 Momentum
The momentum leading to this historic 100 million Shazams has been building steadily throughout 2025. The success can be largely traced back to the powerful impact of his 2024 album, 'Morayo'. The project carried immense energy into the new year, amassing a staggering 235 million total streams in the first half of 2025 alone and producing 'Kese', which became the most played song on Nigerian radio.
Wizkid maintained his chart dominance through a series of strategic collaborations. Early in the year, he lent his vocals to Ayra Starr's 'Gimme Dat', featured on two tracks from Olamide's self-titled album, and joined DJ Tunez and Fola on 'One Condition'. The latter half of the year saw his run intensify. He teamed up again with DJ Maphorisa and DJ Tunez for the joint EP 'South Gidi', scored a viral TikTok hit with Tyla on 'Dynamite', and released 'Cash Flow' with Young Jonn. By October, his collaboration with Odumodublvck, 'Big Time', was dominating Nigerian playlists.
Recently, his joint release 'Money Constant' with DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, and Mavo has been climbing the global Shazam charts. The track's infectious Amapiano rhythm and catchy hook have made it a viral favorite, particularly across Africa.
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Across all major streaming platforms, Wizkid remains Nigeria's top artist in terms of streaming volume, radio airplay, and overall digital reach. The journey from the streets of 'Ojuelegba' to the global anthem of 'Essence' and the current vibe of 'Money Constant' shows an artist constantly evolving, yet his core ability to connect with audiences across different languages and borders remains unchanged.
Surpassing the 100 million mark on Shazam is more than just a statistic; it is a real-time measure of his cultural impact. It represents the countless moments people around the world have heard a song, paused, and actively sought to discover, "Who is this?" At this pace, Wizkid is not only shattering existing records but is also establishing new, higher benchmarks for what global success looks like for African music and artists.
