Wizkid Leads 8 Billion Spotify Streams – Ayra Starr, Davido, Burna boy

Nigerian singer Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has set a historic record by becoming the first African artist to exceed 8 billion streams on Spotify. This achievement marks a monumental moment for African music on the global stage.

Since his breakout in 2010 with “Holla at Your Boy,” Wizkid has built a legacy defined by hard work and creativity. His genre-blending sound, which incorporates Afrobeats, reggae, dancehall, and R&B, has resonated with audiences worldwide. The 8 billion streams include both his lead and featured tracks, underlining his versatility as an artist.

Wizkid’s collaborations have been instrumental to his success, most notably his 2016 hit “One Dance” with Canadian superstar Drake. The track, which has amassed over 2 billion streams on Spotify, became a global sensation, topping charts worldwide and earning a Guinness World Record as the first song to reach 1 billion streams on the platform.

“One Dance” also played a pivotal role in introducing Afrobeats to a broader audience. Its infectious rhythm and appeal showcased the genre’s potential for global recognition. The success of the song also opened doors for more African artists to collaborate with international stars, bridging cultural divides in music.

Beyond “One Dance,” Wizkid’s discography continues to shine. His album Made In Lagos, particularly the deluxe edition, has contributed significantly to his streaming numbers, garnering approximately 1 billion streams. Tracks like “Essence,” featuring Tems, have further solidified his reputation, with the song earning a Grammy nomination and becoming a global anthem.

Wizkid’s achievements come as Afrobeats continues to gain global traction. Fellow Nigerian artists like Burna Boy, with 7.2 billion Spotify streams, and Davido are also making waves internationally.

Wizkid and Ayra Starr have also been recognized among the world’s top artists for 2024 by Chart Data, with Wizkid ranked 11th and Ayra Starr 18th. The top 10 features notable names including:

1. Jimin
2. Taylor Swift
3. Ariana Grande
4. Sabrina Carpenter
5. Beyoncé
6. Kendrick Lamar
7. Charli XCX
8. Lady Gaga
9. Billie Eilish
10. Nicki Minaj

Additionally, in Active Wurld’s “Top 20 Music Global Icons Shaping The Future,” Davido is ranked third, followed by Wizkid in sixth and Burna Boy in eighth place.