Wizkid Becomes First African Artist to Surpass 100 Million Shazams
Nigerian icon Wizkid has become the first African artist to cross 100 million Shazams, a groundbreaking milestone that confirms Afrobeats’ dominance on the global stage. From “Essence” to “Money Constant,” Wizkid continues to redefine African music’s worldwide impact.
Nigerian superstar Wizkid has become the first African artist to surpass 100 million Shazams, achieving the milestone in early November and further solidifying his place among the most globally recognized musicians of his generation. The record-breaking moment highlights Afrobeats’ rise from Lagos sound to global cultural force.
Wizkid has now hit 100million Shazams across all credits.
— OLAMIDE ?? (@Olamide0fficial) November 5, 2025
- He is the first African artiste in history to reach this milestone ? pic.twitter.com/BcvWw7oKsd
The achievement, confirmed Thursday by Shazam, underscores a career defined by consistent innovation and crossover success. Over 15 years, Wizkid has evolved from a local prodigy into an international icon, fusing Nigerian rhythm and Western pop in ways that continue to resonate across continents.
Wizkid’s momentum accelerated with the success of his 2024 album Morayo, which amassed over 235 million streams in six months and produced “Kese,” the most-played song on Nigerian radio. Collaborations in 2025 with Ayra Starr, Olamide, Tyla, and DJ Maphorisa kept him on global charts, while his amapiano-infused track “Money Constant” dominated streaming and radio simultaneously.
The Shazam milestone cements Wizkid’s influence as an architect of modern Afrobeats. His 2016 collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” remains among the platform’s most-searched songs ever, while “Essence” featuring Tems continues to shape the global Afrobeats soundscape. Both songs established him as a pioneer bridging Africa and the world through sound.
Beyond Shazam, Wizkid became the first African artist to surpass 9 billion Spotify streams, achieving over 200 million new plays in September 2025 alone. His classic Made in Lagos album nears Platinum certification in the U.S., having sold over 900,000 units, while he continues to headline sold-out shows worldwide.
Industry observers say Wizkid’s achievements go beyond numbers—they represent a shift in how African artistry is perceived globally. “He didn’t just open the door,” says Charts Africa, “he built the bridge.”
With a documentary (Long Live Lagos) premiering at Tribeca, orchestral performances at the Hollywood Bowl, and Grammy nominations across multiple collaborations, Wizkid continues to redefine the boundaries of Afrobeats’ reach. His latest record isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s a landmark for African music’s global future.
Staff
Contributing writer at Topping Africa.
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