In a historic moment for the global music industry, Nigerian superstar Wizkid has officially become the first African artist to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify. This landmark achievement solidifies his status as a pioneer of the Afrobeats movement and underscores the genre’s explosive growth on the world stage.
The milestone arrives after a decade of consistent chart dominance and strategic cross-continental collaborations that have brought African rhythms to mainstream global audiences.
The Catalysts: Global Collaborations and Solo Hits
Wizkid’s journey to 10 billion streams has been powered by both his solo discography and high-profile partnerships with international icons.
- “One Dance”: His record-breaking collaboration with Drake remains a primary driver, having garnered nearly 4 billion streams on its own.
- “Essence”: The global anthem featuring Tems has contributed over 334 million streams, continuing to find new audiences years after its release.
- Iconic Partnerships: His catalogue is bolstered by works with Beyoncé (“Brown Skin Girl”), Chris Brown (“Call Me Every Day”), and many others.
Leading the Afrobeats Charge
Wizkid’s success is a testament to the power of digital streaming in bridging the gap between local African scenes and the global market. He currently leads an elite group of African artists who are amassing multi-billion stream counts.
Top 5 Most-Streamed African Artists on Spotify (January 2026):
- Wizkid: 10 billion
- Burna Boy: 9.5 billion
- Rema: 5.6 billion
- Tems: 4.4 billion
- Tyla: 3.6 billion
Impact and Legacy
The “Starboy” has not only set a commercial benchmark but has also paved the way for a new generation of artists. His ability to maintain a seat at the top of the charts while evolving his sound—from the street-pop of Superstar to the sophisticated Afro-fusion of Made in Lagos and Morayo—has made him a blueprint for longevity in the streaming era.
As the Afrobeats genre continues to expand, Wizkid’s 10-billion-stream milestone serves as a powerful reminder that African music is no longer “emerging”—it has officially arrived as a permanent fixture of global pop culture.
Source: Spotify
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