Wizkid Becomes First African Artist to Surpass 10 Billion Spotify Streams

Nigerian music icon Wizkid has once again made global history, becoming the first African artist to surpass 10 billion total streams on Spotify across all credits.

Wizkid’s rise has been shaped by more than a decade of consistency, evolution, and global relevance. From his early days as a teenage star in Lagos to becoming an international hitmaker, his career reflects the steady expansion of Afrobeats into mainstream global culture. Spotify’s 10 billion-stream mark places him in an elite group of artists worldwide and firmly establishes him as Africa’s most streamed act in history.

A major contributor to this record-breaking figure is Wizkid’s involvement in Drake’s 2016 smash hit “One Dance,” which remains one of Spotify’s most streamed songs of all time. Beyond that collaboration, his solo catalogue has played a huge role in driving streams. Songs like “Ojuelegba” introduced his sound to international audiences, while “Come Closer” expanded his reach in the U.S. market. His global breakthrough moment arrived with “Essence,” featuring Tems, which became a cultural phenomenon and the first Nigerian song to break into the Billboard Hot 10, later gaining even more traction through a remix featuring Justin Bieber.

Albums such as Superstar, Ayo, Sounds from the Other Side, and especially Made in Lagos helped define different phases of his artistry. Made in Lagos in particular marked a turning point, earning critical acclaim for its refined sound and pushing Afrobeats deeper into global pop and R&B conversations. Newer releases have continued to perform strongly on streaming platforms, proving that Wizkid’s relevance is not tied to nostalgia but to ongoing artistic growth.

This achievement goes beyond numbers. Wizkid’s success has helped open doors for a new generation of African artists, making it easier for global audiences to embrace music from the continent. His streaming dominance reflects a larger shift in the music industry, where African artists are no longer niche acts but major players influencing sound, fashion, and culture worldwide. The growing success of other African stars on Spotify shows how Wizkid’s path has helped reshape perceptions and possibilities for Afrobeats globally.

As streaming continues to shape how music is consumed, Wizkid’s 10 billion-stream milestone stands as a landmark moment for African music history. It confirms his legacy as a pioneer and cultural ambassador, while also signaling that the global appetite for African sound is stronger than ever. With new music, collaborations, and audiences still ahead, Wizkid’s streaming story appears far from finished.