In a historic moment for African music, Nigerian megastar Wizkid has officially become the first artist from the continent to exceed 10 billion streams on Spotify across all credits. This monumental achievement, confirmed in early January 2026, is not just a number but a powerful testament to the global dominance of Afrobeats and Wizkid's unparalleled role as its pioneer.
From Lagos Streets to Global Beats: The Journey to 10 Billion
Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkid's journey from a rising star in Lagos to a global phenomenon is a blueprint for modern African success. His debut album, Superstar (2011), with hits like "Holla at Your Boy," laid the foundation. However, the 2014 single "Ojuelegba" was the cultural turning point. This raw anthem of Lagos life, with over 100 million Spotify streams, caught the ear of Drake and Skepta, leading to a legendary 2015 remix that blasted Afrobeats onto the world stage.
His international breakthrough skyrocketed with a cameo on Drake's 2016 global smash, "One Dance," which has amassed over 3 billion streams. This collaboration was a masterkey, unlocking mainstream audiences worldwide. Wizkid strategically built on this with his album Sounds from the Other Side (2017) and the global viral sensation "Essence" featuring Tems from his 2020 album Made in Lagos. "Essence" has surpassed 334 million streams and earned platinum status, further amplified by a Justin Bieber remix.
Chart-Topping Catalog and Strategic Genius
Wizkid's streaming empire is built on a mix of solo anthems, savvy features, and critically acclaimed albums. Key pillars of his catalog include:
- "Joro" (over 200 million streams)
- "2 Sugar" with Ayra Starr from More Love, Less Ego (over 70 million streams)
- His latest project, Morayo, which was the most streamed album on Spotify Nigeria in 2025.
As of January 2026, he boasts over 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify. His sound—a seamless blend of traditional African rhythms with contemporary R&B, dancehall, and pop—continues to resonate globally. Furthermore, collaborations with icons like Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Metro Boomin, and Ty Dolla Sign have consistently funneled new listeners to his profile, contributing massively to this streaming milestone.
More Than Streams: A Lasting Cultural Legacy
Beyond the staggering statistics, Wizkid's impact is deeply cultural. He is credited with ushering in a new, modern era for Afrobeats, inspiring a generation of artists. His success is mirrored in sold-out global tours, including a record-breaking 2024 concert at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and a trophy cabinet that includes a Grammy, BET Awards, MOBOs, and over 15 Headies Awards.
This 10-billion-stream milestone arrives amid an unprecedented surge in Afrobeats' popularity worldwide. Wizkid, at the forefront, has not just achieved a personal record but has also carried a whole genre with him, proving the irresistible and enduring appeal of African music on the world's biggest stages.
