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Wizkid Becomes First African Artist to Surpass 10 Billion Spotify Streams

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Nigerian music star Ayodeji “Wizkid” Balogun has officially become the first African artist to surpass 10 billion total streams on Spotify, counting both his solo work and collaborations. This milestone places him among the most-streamed artists worldwide and highlights the growing global influence of African music.

Wizkid reached this landmark after more than a decade of releasing hit singles and collaborating with international stars like Drake, Beyoncé, and Tems. His global visibility grew through tracks such as One Dance with Drake, the international summer anthem Essence featuring Tems, and albums like Made in Lagos and More Love, Less Ego, all of which have consistently performed on streaming charts.

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Currently, Wizkid attracts over 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify, reflecting not just the scale of his past achievements, but also ongoing global interest in his music. Early hits in the 2010s introduced him to Nigerian audiences, while collaborations like the remix of Ojuelegba with Drake expanded his reach internationally and helped Afrobeats gain mainstream recognition in Western markets.

Wizkid – Instagram

Streaming platforms have enabled artists like Wizkid to connect directly with audiences worldwide, bypassing traditional gatekeepers such as radio or television charts. This accessibility has allowed African artists to compete on a global scale and set new standards for success.

While Wizkid now leads African artists in Spotify streams, other musicians such as Burna Boy, Rema, Tems, and Tyla have also achieved significant international followings, collectively demonstrating that African music is no longer a niche but a central part of global playlists.

Wizkid’s 10 billion streams mark a milestone for the artist and for Afrobeats as a genre. Strategic collaborations have amplified his reach, and his catalogue’s continued popularity highlights the influence of digital streaming on the global music industry. From Lagos to Los Angeles, the data show that African artists are shaping, not just participating in, the worldwide music market.

As of early 2026, Wizkid stands not only as a record-setter but as a clear measure of African music’s growing impact on the global stage.

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Osas Ighodaro Makes Bollywood Debut in Lead Role for Nolly-Bollywood Series.

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Nigerian-American actress and television host Osas Ighodaro is set to make her Bollywood debut as a lead actor in “Imported Bahu”, a new Nolly-Bollywood micro-drama series that brings together talents from Nigeria and India. The project was officially announced by filmmaker and executive producer Hamisha Daryani Ahuja, who has previously worked on productions that combine elements of both film industries.

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In the series, Osas stars alongside Indian actor and model Rajniesh Duggall. “Imported Bahu” centres on Zara Ogun, a Nigerian multimillionaire and chief executive who marries into a wealthy Indian family. As she navigates life in a new environment, she faces challenges related to acceptance, cultural differences and family expectations. The storyline explores themes of identity, relationships and cross-cultural understanding.

The production is described as a vertical micro-drama, a format designed for mobile viewing in which episodes are presented in a portrait orientation and are considerably shorter than traditional television episodes. The series is the first vertical micro-drama produced by Forever 7 Entertainment and reflects the growing popularity of short-form storytelling aimed at digital audiences.

“Imported Bahu” is scheduled to premiere on July 2, 2026, exclusively on LebaraPlay, a platform described as Africa’s first telecom-owned micro-drama streaming service. The announcement was made through social media, where Hamisha Daryani Ahuja introduced the project and released its trailer.

For Osas Ighodaro, the role marks another international addition to a career that has spanned acting, television hosting and film production. She has built a strong presence in Nollywood over the years, earning recognition for performances in projects such as “Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story” and “Man of God“, both of which contributed to her reputation as one of the industry’s notable performers.

The project also highlights ongoing collaborations between Nollywood and Bollywood. In recent years, filmmakers from both industries have increasingly explored stories that connect African and Indian cultures, creating opportunities for actors to reach wider audiences beyond their home markets. “Imported Bahu” adds to that growing list by placing a Nigerian actress at the centre of a story built around two different cultural worlds.

Rather than a traditional film release, the series introduces Osas Ighodaro to Bollywood through a digital-first format that reflects changing viewing habits and the increasing demand for short-form international content.

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Tems Confirmed to Perform at the 2026 BET Awards.

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Nigerian singer and songwriter Tems has been confirmed as one of the performers at the 2026 BET Awards. BET announced the first lineup of performers on June 17, revealing that the Grammy-winning artist will take the stage at the ceremony scheduled for Sunday, June 28, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

Tems is set to appear alongside artists such as Cardi B, Doechii, Queen Latifah, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Rick Ross, T.I., Common, Don Toliver and French Montana, unveiled by BET for this year’s edition. The event will be hosted by comedian and entertainer Druski, with MC Lyte returning as announcer. The annual ceremony honours achievements in music, film, television and sports, bringing together both established acts and rising figures across the entertainment industry.

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Her performance announcement follows her three nominations at the 2026 BET Awards, placing her among the most recognised Nigerian artists this year. She is nominated in the Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category, the BET Her Award for her song “First”, and the Viewers’ Choice Award for “Raindance”, her collaboration with British rapper Dave.

In recent years, Tems has become a consistent presence on major international stages, and her appearance at the 2026 BET Awards adds another notable international appearance to her growing list of global engagements. The performance is expected to reach viewers across multiple markets as the ceremony celebrates achievements across entertainment.

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The 2026 BET Awards will air live on Sunday, June 28, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8PM ET. The show will feature performances, award presentations and tributes, gathering artists and industry figures from different parts of the entertainment space.

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The Headies Awards Heads to Canada for Its 18th Edition.

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The Headies Awards is set to cross another international border as organisers have announced that its 18th edition will take place in Toronto, Canada. The announcement was made on June 15, 2026, during a special event tagged “The Big Announcement” held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos.

The founder of Headies, Ayo Animashaun, revealed that while the main ceremony will be hosted in Toronto, Nigerian audiences will remain part of the experience through a live watch party in Lagos. The arrangement is aimed at keeping local fans connected to the event despite its overseas location.

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This year’s edition also arrives at a significant moment for The Headies, which is celebrating 20 years since its launch in 2006. The Headies has grown into one of Africa’s most recognised music award platforms, honouring outstanding achievements across the Nigerian and African music industries. It was originally known as the Hip Hop World Awards before adopting its current name. Over the years, the ceremony has celebrated artists, producers, songwriters and other contributors shaping contemporary African music.

This will not be the first time the awards are taking place outside Nigeria. The 15th edition was held in Atlanta, United States, in 2022, followed by the 16th edition in the same city in 2023. The event returned to Lagos for its 17th edition in April 2025 under the theme “Back to Base.”

Addressing concerns about moving the ceremony abroad again, Animashaun explained that economic realities and the need to sustain the awards played a role in the decision. He also stressed that taking the event overseas should not be interpreted as abandoning its Nigerian roots, especially with plans already in place to involve audiences in Lagos through a simultaneous viewing experience.

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The organisers also announced plans for the inaugural Headies Trade and Investment Summit, an initiative designed to bring together investors, policymakers, business leaders and stakeholders within the creative industry. The summit is expected to explore opportunities that could support long-term growth in Nigeria’s entertainment sector.

Canada’s Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Carlos Rojas-Arbulu, who attended the event, pointed to the increasing presence of Nigerian artists in Canada. He noted that performers such as Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, Olamide, Asake, Ayra Starr, Shallipopi and Reekado Banks have all recently performed in the country, reflecting the growing demand for Nigerian music internationally.

As preparations begin for the 18th edition, organisers are expected to release more information in the coming months, including the event date, nominees and activities leading up to the ceremony. With Toronto confirmed as the host city, The Headies continues its effort to expand its international footprint while maintaining a connection to the audience that has supported it for nearly two decades.

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