Wizkid Becomes First African Artist To Cross 100 Million Shazams

Nigerian superstar Wizkid has made history again, becoming the first African artist to surpass 100 million Shazams. The new milestone, achieved in early November, reinforces his status as one of the most globally recognised figures in Afrobeats.

The achievement comes just weeks after the release of South Gidi, a three-track collaboration with DJ Tunez and DJ Maphorisa. The project, blending Amapiano, Afro-fusion, and Wizkid’s signature laid-back delivery, has already made its way onto global charts and playlists.

Over a decade into his career, Wizkid continues to evolve beyond borders. His sound, often described as calm yet commanding, remains a bridge between African rhythm and global pop.

From ‘Ojuelegba’ To ‘Essence’: A Legacy Of Global Hits

Few African artists have matched Wizkid’s ability to stay relevant across continents. His breakout track Ojuelegba introduced his artistry to the world, but it was the Grammy-nominated Essence that truly cemented his international acclaim.

On Shazam, Essence ranks among the most searched Afrobeats songs ever. His collaboration with Drake on One Dance remains one of the Top 100 most Shazamed tracks globally, a rare feat for an African artist.

Wizkid’s name continues to dominate conversations about Afrobeats’ global growth. The success of Money Constant, his recent collaboration with Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, and Mavo, has sparked a fresh wave of interest, climbing both streaming and Shazam charts.

2025: Wizkid’s Year Of Reinvention

The milestone caps off an already stellar year. His 2024 album Morayo carried strong momentum into 2025, closing the first half of the year with over 230 million streams. The album produced several hit singles, including Kese, one of Nigeria’s most played songs on radio this year.

Wizkid also so made strategic collaborations, appearing on Ayra Starr’s Gimme Dat, two tracks from Olamide’s self-titled album, and DJ Tunez’s One Condition with rising singer Fola. Each release kept his name in rotation across streaming platforms and playlists.

The second half of the year saw even more dominance. His EP South Gidi, the Tyla-assisted Dynamite, and Cash Flow with Young Jonn have all received heavy airplay across Africa.

Read also: Burna Boy, Rema, Wizkid Top Spotify’s Afrobeats Charts in 2025

Beyond The Numbers

Crossing 100 million Shazams is more than just a data point, it’s a reflection of global curiosity. Each Shazam represents a listener somewhere in the world asking, “Who is this?” and discovering Wizkid’s music for the first time.

From Lagos to London and Los Angeles, Wizkid’s influence now cuts across language and geography. What began as a local dream has grown into a global sound that continues to redefine what African success looks like on the world stage.

At this rate, Wizkid isn’t just breaking records, he’s rewriting the blueprint for global Afrobeats.