Entertainment
Wizkid Becomes First African Artist to Surpass 10 Billion Spotify Streams
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.
Wizkid – Instagram
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.
