RAYMOND OKOBIA
Nigerian megastar Wizkid has become the first African artist to exceed 10 billion streams on Spotify across all credits.
Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, his journey from rising star to the face of Afrobeats and subsequently global stardom is a testament to his innovative sound, strategic collaborations, constant evolution, and massive fan base.
This record-breaking feat arrives amid a surge in Afrobeats’ popularity, with Wizkid at the forefront. As of early January 2026, Wizkid boasts more than 13 million monthly listeners on
Spotify. His catalogue continues to resonate with fans worldwide, blending traditional African rhythms with contemporary R&B, dancehall, and pop elements.
His streams have been bolstered by a mix of solo hits, features, and albums that have amassed billions of plays.
Wizkid’s ascent to this Spotify pinnacle began in the early 2010s with his debut album Superstar (2011), which introduced infectious tracks like “Holla at Your Boy” and “Don’t Dull,” establishing him as the next big thing.
However, it was his 2014 single “Ojuelegba” that truly marked a turning point, not just for his career but for the entire Afrobeats movement. “Ojuelegba” captured the raw hustle of urban life in Nigeria, blending heartfelt lyrics with infectious rhythms.
It became an anthem for dreamers, hustlers, and underdogs across Africa. With over 100 million streams on Spotify, “Ojuelegba” was the first Afrobeats track to attract major mainstream artists for a remix, featuring Drake and Skepta in 2015, which unlocked unprecedented international awareness and critical acclaim for the genre.