Wizkid Becomes First African Artiste to Surpass 11 Billion Spotify Streams

Wizkid Becomes First African Artiste to Hit 11 Billion Spotify Streams

Wizkid has crossed 11 billion streams on Spotify — the first African artist to reach that number on the platform.

Music data tracker Chartmasters confirmed the milestone this week. It puts the Nigerian star in an exclusive club globally, well ahead of every other act from the continent.

With hits stretching from “Holla at Your Boy” in 2010 to 2024’s “Morayo” album, Wizkid has built a catalogue that keeps racking up numbers. “Essence” — his 2021 track with Tems — became a worldwide summer anthem, and his 2016 Drake collaboration “One Dance” is still one of Spotify’s most-streamed songs ever.

The 11 billion figure covers all credits: his solo work, features, and joint projects. No other African artist comes close.

From Ojuelegba to the World

Wizkid’s career mirrors the Afrobeats explosion itself. When he dropped “Ojuelegba” in 2014, Nigerian music was still fighting for global attention. A decade later, the genre is everywhere — and the generation of Rema, Asake, and Ayra Starr that followed is building on ground he helped lay.

It’s not just about streaming numbers. Wizkid has a Grammy, sold-out shows at the O2, and credits with everyone from Beyoncé to Skepta. But the 11 billion figure is a clean, undeniable stat. It says what the awards and headlines have been saying for years: the kid from Surulere runs this.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post, Brand Communicator