Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known as Wizkid is one of the biggest and greatest African artistes of all time. He has made many records and he has broken many records. 12 years of an amazing career while still staying at the top isn’t something we can wave away. We will be highlighting the 10 records only Machala holds in African Music.
1. First African artiste to reach no. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
In 2016, Wizkid appeared at number 1 on the US Billboard Hot 100. Drake’s record-breaking single ‘One Dance’ took him to the top spot and it was a shocking event because no one expected it. We gathered that Wizkid also co-wrote and co-produced the song. ‘One dance’ is a wonder to the ears and you should listen to the vibes and melody
2. First African artiste to appear in Guinness Book of World Records
Some records are just too amazing to have. Do you know what it means when you’re carved into the Guinness Book of World Record? Well, in 2018, Wizkid became the first African artist to be mentioned in Guinness World Book of Records. He earned the record as a result of his collaboration with Drake on ‘One Dance’, which became the most streamed song in Spotify history. What a record!!!
3. First and only African artiste to have a gold-certified album in the US
On August 29, 2022, Wizkid’s fourth studio album ‘Made In Lagos’ became the first African album to be certified gold in the US, having sold over 500,000 units in the States. It remains the only gold-certified African album in America. ‘Machala wey get doings’
4. Best-selling African artiste of all time on Spotify
Spotify is a great platform for musicians and they partner with one of the greatest club in football history FC Barcelona. In Africa, Wizkid is the most streamed artist on Spotify with over 5 billion streams.
5. First African artiste to surpass 1 billion streams on Apple Music
On May 30, 2022, Wizkid surpassed one billion streams on Apple Music, becoming the first African artist to do so.
6. Most awarded African artiste in 2021 (Top 10 in the world)
In 2021, Wizkid ranked among the top 10 most awarded artists in the world. He was the only African artist in the top 10. He received 55 awards in 2021 only!
7. Most awarded African artiste in MOBO Awards history
Wizkid is the most awarded African artist ever in the history of MOBO Music Awards. He has a total of 6 awards.
8. Most awarded African artiste in Billboard Music Awards history
Wizkid is also the most awarded African artist in Billboard Music Awards history. He has a total of 3 awards, the most by any African act.
9. First and only African artiste to sell out the iconic 02 Arena in 12 minutes
People still find it hard to believe but we gathered that, in 2021 Wizkid sold out his first performance at the London’s 02 Arena in just 12 minutes, placing him alongside legends such as the Spice Girls and the Rolling Stones who have sold out the venue in under 13 Minutes. He remains the only African act in history to do such.
10. Longest charting African album of all time on Billboard World Album Chart
‘Made In Lagos’, Wizkid’s fourth album has spent more than 100 weeks on the Billboard World Album Chart. It remains the longest charting African album of all time on the chart.
Are we missing any records you know of? Tell us in the comment section.
