A Legacy Built on Global Hits
Wizkid's journey to this impressive number is powered by a catalog of impactful hits, both as a lead artist and through high-profile collaborations. His most streamed song on the platform is the monumental "One Dance," a collaboration with Canadian powerhouse Drake and British artist Kyla. This track alone accounts for a staggering 3.7 billion streams, placing it among the top 10 most streamed songs of all time on Spotify. "One Dance" also holds a Guinness World Record for being the first single to surpass 1 billion streams on the platform, a testament to its widespread and enduring popularity.
Beyond his collaborative successes, Wizkid's solo and lead efforts have also contributed significantly to his streaming dominance. His most streamed lead single on Spotify is the critically acclaimed "Essence," featuring fellow Nigerian artist Tems, which boasts over 303 million streams. This particular track played a pivotal role in introducing Afrobeats to an even broader international audience and became a summer anthem worldwide.
The Rise of Afrobeats on the Global Stage
Wizkid's achievement is not merely a personal triumph but a significant landmark for African music as a whole. His consistent global success has been instrumental in popularizing Afrobeats worldwide, paving the way for a new generation of African artists and opening doors in international markets that were once challenging to access. The "Made in Lagos" album, in particular, has consistently performed strongly, further fueling his ascent to the 9-billion mark.
While Wizkid now holds the crown for the most-streamed African artist, he is part of a vibrant wave of Nigerian and African artists, including Burna Boy, Rema, and Tems, who are collectively making a significant impact on global charts and playlists. This collective success highlights Africa's growing cultural footprint and influence in the contemporary music landscape.
What's Next for Starboy?
As Wizkid celebrates this historic milestone, fans and industry observers alike are eager to see what he will achieve next. His consistent evolution and ability to produce globally resonant music suggest that his influence will only continue to grow. While American singer Taylor Swift remains the most streamed artist on Spotify overall, Wizkid's accomplishment firmly establishes him as a global music force and a pioneer for African artists on the world's biggest streaming platforms.