In the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats, one name stands tall: Wizkid. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim
Balogun, Wizkid has transcended borders to become Africa’s most commercially successful
artist. Over a decade into his career, the Nigerian superstar has not only conquered African
charts but also etched his name in global music history, becoming a cultural icon. As of 2024,
his staggering sales, groundbreaking international collaborations, and record-shattering
milestones solidify his status as Africa’s best-selling artist.
Unmatched Global Sales
Wizkid’s discography is a treasure trove of chart-topping hits, but it’s the numbers that set him
apart. As of this year, the star has sold over 20 million records worldwide, according to industry
reports, spanning multiple albums, singles, and collaborations with global heavyweights.
• His 2020 album, MadeinLagos, achieved historic success, racking up over 2
billion streams across all platforms. It’s one of the most-streamed African albums in history and
the first Nigerian album certified Gold in the U.S. by the RIAA.
• The smash hit “Essence”, featuring Tems, broke global barriers as the first
Afrobeats song to achieve Platinum certification in the U.S. The song peaked at No. 9 on the
Billboard Hot 100, setting a new record for African music on the global stage.
International Collaborations and Global Reach
Wizkid’s influence extends far beyond Africa. Through collaborations with global stars like
Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber, he has helped position Afrobeats as a mainstream force.
His feature on Drake’s “One Dance” (2016) was pivotal, propelling him to global stardom as the
song topped charts in over 15 countries and surpassed 2 billion Spotify streams.
• Beyonce’s “Brown Skin Girl,” featuring Wizkid, earned a Grammy for Best Music
Video in 2021, further affirming his global status.
• In 2021, his remix of “Essence” with Justin Bieber brought Afrobeats even greater
visibility in North America. That same year, Wizkid made history by selling out London’s O2
Arena for three consecutive nights—a feat few artists in the world can boast.
A Trophy-Laden Career
Wizkid’s award cabinet reflects his impact and dominance. Over the years, he has accumulated
numerous accolades:
• 4 Grammy nominations and 1 win
• Multiple BET Awards, including Best International Act
• MOBO Awards for Best African Act
• Nominations from the Billboard Music Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards
His contributions to Afrobeats have also earned him a place among Forbes’ Top 100 Most
Influential Africans, solidifying his influence both at home and abroad.
A Catalyst for Afrobeats’ Global Rise
Beyond the numbers, Wizkid’s impact lies in his ability to redefine African music’s global
perception. As a pioneer, he broke into international markets, especially in the U.S., at a time
when African music was considered niche. His success has paved the way for a new generation
of artists like Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema, who now enjoy mainstream recognition, Billboard
charting hits, and sold-out global tours.
The Legacy Continues
From his humble beginnings in Surulere, Lagos, to his status as a global icon, Wizkid’s journey
is nothing short of extraordinary. Even after more than a decade in the industry, his influence
continues to expand. In 2024, his concerts sell out faster than ever, his streaming numbers keep
climbing, and his fan base grows worldwide.
With upcoming projects and collaborations in the pipeline, Wizkid shows no signs of slowing
down. He remains the face of African music on the global stage—a trailblazer smashing records
and achieving milestones once unimaginable for African artists.
Wizkid’s reign as Africa’s best-selling artist is undisputed. His legacy is a testament to the power
of talent, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence. As Afrobeats continues to capture the
world’s imagination, Wizkid stands firmly at its forefront, a true icon in a league of his own
