Wizkid’s Made In Lagos Surpasses 1 Billion Spotify Streams
In a landmark achievement, Wizkid’s fourth studio album, Made In Lagos, has now crossed the 1 billion streams milestone on Spotify. Originally released in October 2020, the deluxe edition of the album—launched in August 2021—has seen a surge in plays, driven in large part by the runaway success of “Essence.” Both the original track and its remix featuring Justin Bieber have together amassed over 400 million streams, cementing “Essence” as a global anthem and propelling the album to this historic mark.
The Grammy-nominated Made In Lagos boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Burna Boy, H.E.R., Terri, BNXN (formerly known as Buju), Damian Marley, Tems, Tay Iwar, Projexx and Skepta. Each feature contributes to the album’s rich tapestry of Afrobeats, R&B and pop, showcasing Wizkid’s versatility and vision as one of the Nigerian music scene’s foremost innovators.
Commercially, Made In Lagos set new benchmarks from the outset. It debuted at number four on the Rolling Stone Top 200 Albums chart in the United States and has since earned numerous gold and platinum certifications across multiple territories. Critics praised its seamless fusion of rhythms, soulful melodies and polished production, with many hailing it as one of the greatest Nigerian albums of the 21st century.
The success of “Essence” has been particularly instrumental in opening global doors for Nigerian artists. Following in Wizkid’s footsteps, fellow stars such as Rema (Rave & Roses), Burna Boy (Love, Damini), Ayra Starr (The Year I Turned 21) and Omah Lay (Boy Alone) have all joined the prestigious billion-stream club on Spotify, underscoring Nigeria’s burgeoning influence on the world music stage.
For Wizkid himself, this milestone represents another high point in a career that has spanned over a decade. Since Made In Lagos, he has released the critically acclaimed More Love, Less Ego album, the Soundman Vol. 2 EP and, most recently, his sixth studio album, Morayo. Each project has further solidified his reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent hitmakers and cultural ambassadors.
As Made In Lagos continues to resonate with listeners around the world, Wizkid’s 1 billion-stream triumph not only celebrates his artistic journey but also highlights the global rise and enduring appeal of Afrobeats. The album’s longevity on streaming charts underscores its timeless quality—and, for fans new and old, there’s no better time to dive into the sounds that reshaped modern music.
