In a stunning display of musical prowess and viral appeal, Boluwatife Balogun, the young artist known as Champz and son of Afrobeats icon Wizkid, has shattered records on the global streaming platform Spotify. The rising star has officially surpassed one million monthly listeners, achieving this remarkable feat in just three weeks since his debut, making him the youngest Nigerian artist ever to do so.
A Proud Mother's Celebration
The monumental achievement was first highlighted by music platform AlbumTalkzHQ on X (formerly Twitter) and later verified by checks showing Champz boasting an impressive 1,004,060 listeners. The news sparked immense joy for his mother, Sola Ogudugu, who took to her Instagram to express heartfelt gratitude to fans for their overwhelming support.
Sola, who has previously defended her son's foray into music, shared an emotional message celebrating their journey. "GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!! We are sooo Grateful ?? THANK YOU!!! ??❤️," she wrote, radiating pride for her son's accomplishment.
The Meteoric Rise of 'Champion Arrival'
Champz's rapid ascent began in November with the release of his debut EP, titled 'Champion Arrival.' The project generated significant buzz online, supported by behind-the-scenes footage of the young artist at work in the studio, championed by his mother and his management team.
The EP's impact was immediate and far-reaching:
- It debuted at No. 1 on several digital platforms within just five hours of release.
- The project is charting in 16 countries on Apple Music.
- It secured the No. 71 spot on the prestigious UK Apple Music Top Albums chart.
- Most notably, it made Champz the youngest African artist to top the Apple Music Nigeria Top Albums chart.
Fans and Well-Wishers React
The news of the Spotify milestone triggered a wave of reactions from fans and observers, many of whom attributed his talent to his famous lineage while celebrating his individual hustle.
@AdamLawal_101 expressed surprise and admiration: "WTH!!! I never knew this was Boluwatife ooo… I like the song by just listening to it… Omo talent dey blood." Another user, @codesaa, celebrated the family's record-breaking streak: "Papa deyy break record, pikin deyy break record!!!! Glory be to God???"
Many also praised the role of his mother, Sola Ogudugu. @xander__kage_ noted, "Let’s give it up for Mama Champz ??.. Manager of the month ?" The sentiment of inherited excellence was captured by @i_am_mz_jay who wrote in Yoruba, "Omo ti eya ba bi eya ni jor. Lion no go ever born goat ??" translating to the notion that greatness begets greatness.
Family Pride and Support
The support for Champz's career is a full-family affair. Earlier, his father, Wizkid, was asked about his son's musical breakthrough while attending a New York Knicks game. The global star, beaming with pride, didn't hold back his excitement, gushing over his son's talent and expressing his love for the 'Champion Arrival' EP.
This milestone solidifies Champz not just as the son of a superstar, but as a formidable and record-setting artist in his own right. With a debut that has conquered charts across continents and now a historic Spotify listener milestone, the music industry is keenly watching the next chapter for this young champion.
