Nigerian megastar Wizkid has officially travelled into new territory: he is now the first African artist to surpass 100 million Shazam recognitions — a landmark moment in the history of African music on the global stage.
What the Milestone Means
For the music-discovery platform Shazam, recognitions (or “shazams”) occur when listeners identify songs playing around them. Hitting 100 million of these from a single artist signals that his songs are being heard everywhere — from clubs and radios to cafés and public spaces.
Wizkid’s achievement is not just about numbers: it’s about cultural reach. It shows that Afrobeats has gone from regional sound to global phenomenon, and that Wizkid’s catalogue continues to connect with listeners across continents.
The Road to 100 Million
Wizkid’s journey to this milestone spans many years, but several key moments stand out:
- His 2020 hit Essence (featuring Tems) helped bring his sound to a global audience.
- His feature on One Dance with Drake (and others) propelled him into international consciousness.
- In 2025, Wizkid released a three-track collaboration project with DJ Tunez and DJ Maphorisa which helped consolidate his streaming and discovery momentum.
- Reports indicate that his 2024 album (titled Morayo) carried into 2025 with strong streaming numbers (over 235 million in the first half of the year).
Why It Matters for Afrobeats
Wizkid’s milestone is a testament to the globalisation of African music:
- It shows that the world is actively probing, discovering and consuming African-rooted music.
- It raises the benchmark for other African artists aspiring for international recognition.
- It reinforces that Afrobeats isn’t a passing trend — it’s now embedded in global pop-culture.
As one commentary put it: “He didn’t just open the door, he built the bridge.”
What Happens Next?
With this milestone behind him, some questions and possibilities emerge:
- Will Wizkid release a new full album in late 2025 to capitalise on this momentum? The buzz is strong among his fan base and industry watchers.
- How will his team leverage the 100 million number in marketing, tours, brand partnerships and global positioning?
- Which emerging African acts will ride the wave that Wizkid has helped create — and how will the genre evolve next?
Wizkid’s achievement of crossing 100 million Shazams is more than a metric — it’s a historic moment. It affirms his role as a global ambassador for Afrobeats and cements his legacy in shaping how African music is heard and appreciated worldwide. For fans, for artists, and for the music industry in Africa, this is a moment worth celebrating and studying.
