From Lagos to the World: Wizkid’s global impact at 35

For over a decade, Nigerian superstar Wizkid has reigned as one of Africa’s most successful and influential musical exports, playing a defining role in the global rise of Afrobeats.

Since bursting onto the Nigerian mainstream scene with his 2011 debut album, Superstar, at the age of 20, Wizkid (born Ayodeji Balogun) has become a cultural icon. His unique sound and consistent global presence have shaped the genre’s growth, inspiring a new wave of African artists and winning fans across continents.

From collaborating with global icons like Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber, to headlining international arenas, Wizkid’s impact continues to break barriers and set historic milestones. As he celebrates his 35th birthday, here’s a look at 10 remarkable records that highlight his extraordinary journey.

10 Major Records Set by Wizkid:

1. First Nigerian artist in the Guinness World Records

   • Recognized for his contribution to Drake’s One Dance, which became the first song to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify.

2. First Nigerian to top the Billboard Hot 100

   • Achieved this feat with One Dance alongside Drake and Kyla.

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3. First Nigerian lead artist in Billboard Hot 100 Top 10

   • His Essence remix featuring Tems and Justin Bieber peaked at No. 9, a landmark for Afrobeats globally.

4. First Nigerian to win a major BET Awards category

   • Essence won Best Collaboration at the 2022 BET Awards, breaking new ground for Nigerian music.

5. First Nigerian artist to win an American Music Award

   • Essence also earned the Favorite R&B Song award in 2022, another historic first.

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6. First Nigerian artist to headline the O2 Arena for three consecutive nights

   • A sold-out feat achieved during his Made in Lagos tour in 2021.

7. First Nigerian album certified Gold by the RIAA

   • Made in Lagos crossed the 500,000 units sold mark in the United States.

8. Most-streamed Nigerian artist on Spotify

   • With over 8.7 billion streams, Wizkid holds the record as Nigeria’s most streamed artist on the platform.

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9. One of the most awarded artists at The Headies

   • With 17 Headies Awards, including multiple wins for Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Artist of the Year.

10. Longest-charting Nigerian album on the Billboard 200

• Made in Lagos spent a record 133 weeks on the prestigious chart, underlining its lasting global appeal.

As Wizkid enters a new chapter, his legacy as a trailblazer in the Afrobeats movement continues to grow, marking him as a defining figure in Nigerian music history.