In the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats, few names resonate as powerfully as Wizkid’s. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkid has carved out a legacy as Africa’s most commercially successful artist. With over a decade in the music industry, Wizkid has not only dominated African charts but also crossed over into the global music scene, becoming a cultural icon. As of 2024, his impressive sales, international collaborations, and record-breaking achievements firmly establish him as Africa’s best-selling artist.
Unparalleled Global Sales
Wizkid’s discography is stacked with chart-topping hits, but it’s the numbers that truly set him apart from his peers. As of this year, Wizkid has sold over 20 million records worldwide, according to industry reports. His success spans multiple albums, singles, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music.
- “Made in Lagos”, his 2020 album, has achieved massive success, with over 2 billion streams across all platforms, making it one of the most-streamed African albums in history. The album has been certified Gold in the United States by the RIAA, a first for a Nigerian album.
- His hit single “Essence,” featuring Tems, became a global phenomenon, reaching Platinum certification in the U.S., marking the first Afrobeats song to achieve such status. The song also peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, setting a new record for African music on a global scale.
International Collaborations and Global Reach
Wizkid’s influence extends far beyond Africa. His collaborations with global stars such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Justin Bieber have helped bridge the gap between Afrobeats and mainstream pop. His feature on Drake’s “One Dance” (2016) was a game-changer, propelling Wizkid to the international stage as the song became a chart-topping hit in over 15 countries and was streamed over 2 billion times on Spotify alone.
- Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl,” featuring Wizkid, won the Grammy Award for Best Music Video in 2021, further cementing his status as a global icon.
- In 2021, his collaboration with Justin Bieber on the remix of “Essence” brought even more visibility to Afrobeats in North America, while Wizkid’s international tours have sold out major venues, including the O2 Arena in London, where he performed to a sold-out crowd three consecutive nights.
Accolades and Awards
Wizkid’s long list of awards further supports his claim as Africa’s best-selling artist. Over the years, he has racked up prestigious accolades, including:
- 4 Grammy nominations and 1 win.
- Multiple BET Awards, including the Best International Act award.
- MOBO Awards for Best African Act.
- Billboard Music Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards nominations.
His contribution to the growth and global appeal of Afrobeats has also earned him recognition at home and abroad, with Forbes naming him among the Top 100 Most Influential Africans.
Impact on Afrobeats and African Music
Wizkid’s success is not just in numbers but in his impact. He has been instrumental in pushing the Afrobeats genre beyond the African continent, leading a new wave of African artists who now enjoy mainstream recognition globally. He was one of the pioneers to break into international markets, especially the U.S., at a time when African music was still largely niche.
With his music now heard across continents, Wizkid’s rise has helped open doors for other African artists like Burna Boy, Tems, and Rema, who now follow in his footsteps by charting on Billboard and selling out arenas across the world.
A Legacy That Continues to Grow
Wizkid’s journey from a talented kid in Surulere, Lagos, to a global superstar has been nothing short of extraordinary. Even after over a decade in the music industry, his influence continues to grow. In 2024, Wizkid shows no signs of slowing down, with his fan base expanding, his streaming numbers soaring, and his concert tours selling out faster than ever.
As the face of African music on the world stage, Wizkid remains a trailblazer, shattering records and achieving milestones that once seemed out of reach for African artists. With his upcoming projects and collaborations, there’s no doubt that Wizkid’s reign as Africa’s best-selling artist is far from over. The numbers, the accolades, and the global recognition all confirm one thing: Wizkid is in a league of his own.