Ayodeji Balogun, known globally as Wizkid, celebrates his 36th birthday on July 16, 2026. In a career spanning nearly two decades, the Afrobeats superstar has redefined African music on the global stage. From his breakout single 'Holla At Your Boy' in 2010 to becoming the first African artist to surpass 10 billion streams on Spotify, Wizkid's journey is marked by historic firsts. Here are 20 landmark accomplishments that cement his legacy as perhaps Africa's greatest musician.
1. First Afrobeats Artist in the Guinness World Records
Wizkid's collaboration with Drake on 'One Dance' topped the Billboard Hot 100 and charts in 14 countries, earning him a place in the Guinness World Records as the first Afrobeats artist to achieve this.
2. First African Artist to Surpass 10 Billion Streams on Spotify
Wizkid became the first African artist to exceed 10 billion streams on Spotify across all credits, a milestone reflecting his sustained global dominance. He also reached every billion-stream milestone from 1 billion to 10 billion first among African artists.
3. First Nigerian Song to Chart on the Billboard Hot 100
'Essence' featuring Tems made history as the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at number 82 and propelling Afrobeats deeper into the American mainstream.
4. First African Song to Reach the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100
The Justin Bieber-assisted remix of 'Essence' climbed to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the first Nigerian track to hit the Top 10. Kanye West described the song as 'the greatest ever in the history of music.'
5. Grammy Award Winner
Wizkid won a Grammy for Best Music Video for his contribution to Beyoncé's 'Brown Skin Girl,' making him one of the few African artists to hold a Grammy.
6. Most Awarded Artist in Headies History
With over 18 wins, Wizkid is the most-awarded artist in The Headies, Nigeria's most prestigious music awards ceremony, showcasing his consistency across eras.
7. One of the Most Awarded African Artists Internationally
Wizkid has accumulated awards at major international ceremonies: BET Awards (4), Soul Train Awards (3), Billboard Awards (3), iHeartRadio Music Awards (5), NAACP Image Awards (8), and MOBO Awards (6).
8. First African Artist to Sell Out the O2 Arena Three Times
In 2021, Wizkid sold out London's O2 Arena for three consecutive dates, a feat previously achieved only by Beyoncé, Rihanna, The Rolling Stones, Spice Girls, and Monty Python's Flying Circus. The first date sold out in 12 minutes.
9. First Nigerian Artist to Reach Number One on the Billboard Hot 100
Wizkid became the first Nigerian artist with a Billboard Hot 100 number one single when 'One Dance' featuring Drake and Kyla held the top spot for 10 non-consecutive weeks and topped charts in 14 countries.
10. First Song to Hit One Billion Streams on Spotify
Drake's 'One Dance' became the first song ever to reach one billion streams on Spotify in 2016, with Wizkid as a featured artist, making him the first African member of Spotify's Billions Club.
11. African Artist with the Most RIAA Platinum Certifications in the US
Wizkid holds at least eight RIAA certifications, including 'Essence' (4x Platinum), 'Come Closer' (Platinum), and 'One Dance' (11x Platinum). He also became the first African artist to receive an RIAA Diamond certification for 'One Dance.'
12. First African Artist to Headline Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
On July 29, 2023, Wizkid performed at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London with over 60,000 fans attending, making it the biggest headline show by an African artist in the UK.
13. 'Wizkid Day' Declared in Minnesota
In 2018, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton declared October 6 as Wizkid Day, honoring his achievements and role as a cultural influencer, tied to his sold-out show at the Skyway Theatre.
14. 'Made in Lagos' — First African Album RIAA Certified Gold in the US
Released in October 2020, 'Made in Lagos' became the first African album to achieve RIAA Gold certification in the US, with half a million sales units.
15. Apple Music Africa Artist of the Year — Two Times
Wizkid won Apple Music's Artist of the Year (Africa) in 2021 and again in 2025, closing the latter year as the most-streamed artist on Spotify Nigeria and Apple Music Nigeria.
16. 'Morayo' — Biggest Streaming Debut for an African Album on Spotify
Wizkid's sixth album 'Morayo' earned 16.27 million streams in its first full day on Spotify, the biggest debut for any African album on the platform.
17. First African Artist to Receive Seven Billboard Music Award Nominations
At the 2017 Billboard Music Awards, Wizkid secured seven nominations, including Top Hot 100 Song, Top Selling Song, and Top R&B Song, all stemming from 'One Dance.'
18. First African Artist to Surpass 20 Billion Global Streams
In 2025, Wizkid surpassed 20 billion global audio-on-demand streams, becoming the first African artist in history to reach this milestone.
19. First African Artist to Receive the BRIT Billion Award
Wizkid received the BRIT Billion Award for exceeding one billion streams in the United Kingdom, the first African artist to earn this honor.
20. Continued Global Influence
These achievements underscore Wizkid's role in elevating Afrobeats to a global phenomenon, inspiring a new generation of African artists and reshaping the international music landscape.
