Wizkid has cemented his legacy with a major new achievement, becoming the first African artist in Spotify history to surpass 10 billion streams across all credits, according to Chart Data.
This colossal number includes tracks from his own catalog, as well as features, assists, and collaborations, making him the platform’s most-streamed African artist.
The singer has been diligently progressing toward this point for years. By consistently transforming global hits into enduring classics, Wizkid has powerfully demonstrated the expansive reach of Afrobeats when the genre is driven with clear purpose.
Wizkid is the first African artist to reach every major Spotify streaming milestone, according to Chart Data. He was the first to hit each billion-stream benchmark, from 1 billion up to his current record of 10 billion.
The joint EP from Wizkid and Asake, REAL, Vol. 1, was released on January 23rd. The EP rollout began with the release of the first single, “Jogodo,” which was simultaneously accompanied by the full track list and cover art.
Wizkid personally announced the upcoming EP and track list, writing, “Wizkid & Asake REAL, VOL 1 – EP OUT JAN. 23rd! Track list: 1. ‘Turbulence’ 2. ‘Jogodo’ 3. ‘Iskolodo’ 4. ‘Alaye.’” He added, “‘JOGODO’ is out now!” as previously reported by Revolt.
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The momentum continued to build as Chart Data reported that “Jogodo” set a new Spotify Nigeria record.
With 1.388 million single-day streams, the song established the all-time high for the largest single-day streaming total for a collaborative track in the country.
Wizkid continues his winning streak, adding to his impressive story with the HBO Original documentary, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos.
Released in December, the film, directed by Karam Gill, chronicles his path from Lagos to his historic 2023 headline performance at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a landmark achievement that made him the first African artist to sell out the venue.
Wizkid’s career achievements have recently been overshadowed by a public dispute with Seun Kuti, which has divided Nigerian celebrities.
The controversy started when Seun Kuti publicly criticized Wizkid’s fans (Wizkid FC) for comparing Wizkid to Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Seun Kuti considered the comparison an insult, arguing that his father’s legacy was built on activism and sacrifice, not record sales or fame. He escalated the feud by criticizing Wizkid’s fanbase and repeatedly questioning the singer’s silence on the issue during various Instagram Live sessions.
The feud escalated after Wizkid hit back, asserting his superiority over Fela and belittling Seun’s achievements, according to Modern Ghana. This triggered a fierce back-and-forth of personal attacks involving both families.
This conflict has sparked a wider public debate, even among Nigerian celebrities. Comedian Edo Pikin contributed to the discussion, arguing that Fela’s importance stems from his influence, not just his entertainment value.
Gospel artist Testimony Jaga criticized Seun and labeled Fela a harmful role model. Influencer Esabod called for peace, while Tosin Silverdam claimed that Wizkid’s international success proves his claim of being greater than Fela.
READ ALSO: Wizkid: Nigerian Musician Declares He Is Not An Afrobeats Artiste; Here’s Why
Yeni Kuti, the daughter of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, recently offered her perspective on the ongoing public disagreement between her brother, Seun Kuti, and the artist Wizkid. Drawing from their past interactions at Felabration, held at the Fela Shrine in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, Yeni shared complimentary remarks about the Ojuelegba singer.
“I refused to get into the conversation because of some of the insults they are hurling. I like Wizkid a lot, he is my small friend. We have come a long way together. I remember when he started at Shrine during Felabration, he was a backup singer, so there is no way I can never not like Wizkid, I like him,” she said, according to Premium Times Nigeria.
Yeni, however, faulted Wizkid for not halting the feud, urging unity: “Let us mend fences, we are one people… the stain is not only on the Fela family but on Nigeria,” especially before celebrating the Nigerian icon’s posthumous Grammy recognition.
Yeni contrasted the disrespect Fela faced in Nigeria with the regard shown to global icons like Bob Marley, stating, “Do you see Bob Marley people disrespecting him? No, they won’t do that. Fela started a genre of music; he is an icon, so if you have a problem, why are you attacking him? He has done his own, he has gone.”
She continued, “Fela has been dead for 27 years, and you are still mentioning his name, that’s just the answer to his greatness, and can we just respect that, fight fellow living people, and leave the man that’s done his own and gone. He shouldn’t have insulted him”.
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