A Historic Achievement for Wizkid and Afrobeats
On May 24, 2025, the global music community witnessed yet another monumental milestone for Afrobeats as Wizkid’s Made In Lagos (Deluxe Edition) surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. This achievement, announced by the Wizkid Gallery on X, marks a significant moment not only for the Nigerian superstar but also for African music as a whole. With certifications in multiple countries, including Gold in the UK, US, Canada, Switzerland, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Belgium, Made In Lagos continues to solidify Wizkid’s position as a trailblazer in the global music scene.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the journey of Made In Lagos, its cultural and musical significance, the impact of its deluxe edition, and why this album has resonated with millions of fans worldwide. From its chart-topping singles to its role in the globalization of Afrobeats, we’ll explore how Wizkid has redefined African music with this iconic project.
The Genesis of Made In Lagos: A Cultural and Musical Revolution
Released on October 30, 2020, by Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records, Made In Lagos is Wizkid’s fourth studio album. The project arrived at a time when Afrobeats was gaining significant traction on the global stage, thanks to the efforts of artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido. However, Made In Lagos stood out as a defining moment for the genre, blending traditional African sounds with modern, global influences to create a cohesive and universally appealing body of work.
The album features an impressive lineup of guest artists, including British stars Skepta and Ella Mai, American R&B sensation H.E.R., Jamaican artists Projexx and Damian Marley, and Nigerian talents Burna Boy, Tay Iwar, Terri, and Tems. The inclusion of such a diverse group of collaborators reflects the album’s central theme: a fusion of culture and globalization. Wizkid masterfully weaves themes of love, gratitude, focus, goodwill, and grace throughout the project, all while grounding the sound in rich African percussion.
The Sound of Made In Lagos: A Genre-Defying Masterpiece
What sets Made In Lagos apart from Wizkid’s previous works, such as Sounds from the Other Side and Soundman Vol., is its lush production and sophisticated songwriting. The album explores a range of genres, from Afrobeats and R&B to reggae and pop, creating a sound that feels both deeply rooted in African traditions and universally accessible. Tracks like “Blessed” featuring Damian Marley and “Ginger” with Burna Boy showcase the album’s ability to merge diverse musical influences while maintaining a cohesive narrative.
Critics have widely praised the album for its slinky, sexy vibe and its ability to push the boundaries of Afrobeats. Kate Hutchinson of The Guardian gave the album a four-star review, calling it Wizkid’s “most sophisticated record yet.” She noted that the project’s production and themes place it at the forefront of a revolutionary charge in the globalization of African music—a sentiment echoed by fans and industry professionals alike.
The Deluxe Edition: Elevating an Already Iconic Album
On August 27, 2021, Wizkid released the deluxe edition of Made In Lagos, adding new tracks and collaborations that further elevated the album’s appeal. The deluxe version features additional guest appearances from Nigerian artist Buju (now known as BNXN) and global pop icon Justin Bieber. The inclusion of Bieber, in particular, was a strategic move to broaden the album’s reach, especially in the Western market.
One of the standout additions to the deluxe edition is the remix of “Essence,” featuring Tems and Justin Bieber. The original version of “Essence” had already become a global phenomenon, but the remix propelled it to even greater heights, peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. This made “Essence” the highest-charting single by an African act on the chart and the first Nigerian song to appear on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200.
The deluxe edition also includes tracks like “Mood” featuring Buju, which added a fresh layer of energy to the album. These additions not only expanded the project’s sonic palette but also ensured that Made In Lagos remained relevant in the ever-evolving music landscape.
Breaking Records: 1 Billion Streams on Spotify and Beyond
The announcement on May 24, 2025, that Made In Lagos (Deluxe Edition) had surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify is a testament to the album’s enduring popularity. This milestone comes after the album previously hit 1 billion streams across all platforms in 2021, less than a year after its initial release. Back then, the album had garnered 322 million streams on Apple Music, 229 million on Spotify, 227 million on YouTube, 140 million on Audiomack, 40 million on Boomplay, and 20.1 million on Pandora.
The fact that the deluxe edition alone has now achieved 1 billion streams on Spotify underscores the album’s global appeal and Wizkid’s ability to connect with listeners across continents. Fans on X celebrated this achievement with enthusiasm, with users like @godson2710 calling it their “favorite album” and @Perryzona123221 playfully comparing Wizkid’s streaming numbers to those of his rival, Davido. The celebratory mood was palpable, with users like @saida_unique sharing images of champagne to toast the milestone.
Certifications and Global Recognition
In addition to its streaming success, Made In Lagos has earned numerous certifications worldwide. The album is certified Gold in the UK, US, Canada, Switzerland, Netherlands, New Zealand, and Belgium, reflecting its commercial success in diverse markets. In the US, the album achieved Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on August 29, 2022, after selling over 500,000 copies.
The album’s impact on the charts is equally impressive. Made In Lagos became the first Nigerian album to spend seven consecutive weeks at the summit of the Billboard World Album Charts, a feat that solidified Wizkid’s status as a global ambassador for Afrobeats. The album also received a nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards in 2022, further cementing its place in music history.
The Global Impact of “Essence”: A Game-Changer for Afrobeats
No discussion of Made In Lagos would be complete without highlighting the monumental success of “Essence,” the album’s breakout single. Featuring Nigerian singer Tems, “Essence” became a cultural phenomenon, blending Afrobeats with R&B in a way that captivated audiences worldwide. The song’s smooth production, infectious melody, and romantic lyrics made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.
When the deluxe edition dropped with the Justin Bieber remix, “Essence” soared to new heights. Peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, the song made history as the first Nigerian track to chart on both the Hot 100 and the Billboard Global 200. This achievement was a landmark moment for Afrobeats, proving that African music could compete on the world’s biggest stages.
“Essence” also played a crucial role in introducing Afrobeats to new audiences. The song became a staple on radio stations, playlists, and social media platforms, with its dance challenge going viral on TikTok. For many listeners in the West, “Essence” was their first introduction to Afrobeats, paving the way for other African artists to gain international recognition.
Wizkid’s Legacy: Pioneering the Globalization of African Music
Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, has long been a pioneer in the Afrobeats movement. From his early days as a teenage prodigy in Lagos to his global breakthrough with Drake’s “One Dance” in 2016, Wizkid has consistently pushed the boundaries of what African music can achieve. His contribution to “One Dance” earned him a spot in the 2018 Guinness World Records, making him the first Afrobeats artist to receive such an honor.
With Made In Lagos, Wizkid took his mission to globalize African music to new heights. The album’s success is not just a personal victory for the artist but a win for the entire Afrobeats community. As one of the most streamed African albums of all time, Made In Lagos has become a benchmark for what African artists can achieve on the global stage.
Awards and Accolades
The accolades for Made In Lagos are numerous. In addition to its Grammy nomination, the album won Album of the Year at the 7th annual African Entertainment Awards USA in 2021. The deluxe edition also received two nominations at the 15th ceremony of The Headies, for Album of the Year and Best Afrobeat Pop Album (Nigeria), a new category at the time.
These awards reflect the album’s critical and commercial success, as well as its cultural impact. Made In Lagos is often featured in debates about the best African albums of all time, with many arguing that it played a pivotal role in the globalization of African music.
The Made In Lagos Tour: Bringing the Album to Life
To support the album, Wizkid embarked on the Made In Lagos Tour from 2021 to 2022, performing sold-out shows across North America, Europe, and Africa. The tour was a celebration of the album’s themes and a testament to Wizkid’s global appeal. Fans were treated to live renditions of hits like “Essence,” “Blessed,” and “Reckless,” with Wizkid’s electrifying stage presence leaving audiences in awe.
The tour also highlighted the album’s universal resonance. From Lagos to London to Los Angeles, fans of all backgrounds came together to celebrate the music of Made In Lagos, proving that Afrobeats has the power to unite people across cultures.
Why Made In Lagos Resonates with Fans
There are several reasons why Made In Lagos has connected with so many listeners around the world. First and foremost is its authenticity. The album is deeply rooted in Wizkid’s Nigerian heritage, with its use of local percussion and themes that reflect the realities of life in Lagos. At the same time, it speaks to universal experiences like love, gratitude, and self-discovery, making it relatable to a global audience.
The album’s production is another key factor in its success. Tracks like “Sweet One” and “Smile” feature lush, layered instrumentals that create a dreamy, immersive listening experience. Wizkid’s vocals, which are both emotive and effortless, add an extra layer of depth to the project.
Finally, Made In Lagos arrived at a time when the world was ready to embrace African music. The rise of streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music has made it easier than ever for artists from the continent to reach international audiences. Wizkid, with his knack for blending genres and collaborating with global stars, was perfectly positioned to take advantage of this shift.
The Future of Afrobeats: What’s Next for Wizkid?
As Made In Lagos continues to break records, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next for Wizkid? The artist has hinted at new music in recent years, and fans are eagerly awaiting his next project. Given his track record, it’s safe to say that Wizkid will continue to push the boundaries of Afrobeats and cement his legacy as one of the greatest artists of his generation.
For now, though, the focus remains on celebrating the incredible success of Made In Lagos. With 1 billion streams on Spotify and counting, the album has solidified its place in music history. It’s a reminder of the power of African music to transcend borders and bring people together through the universal language of sound.
Conclusion: A Milestone Worth Celebrating
Wizkid’s Made In Lagos (Deluxe Edition) surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify is more than just a numerical achievement—it’s a cultural moment. The album has not only elevated Wizkid’s career but also shone a spotlight on Afrobeats as a genre capable of dominating the global music industry. From its chart-topping singles to its critical acclaim, Made In Lagos is a testament to the power of authenticity, collaboration, and innovation.
As we celebrate this milestone, let’s also look forward to the future of African music. With artists like Wizkid leading the charge, there’s no telling how far the genre can go. For now, though, let’s raise a glass (or a bottle of champagne, as @saida_unique did on X) to Made In Lagos and its incredible journey.
What are your thoughts on Made In Lagos? What’s your favorite track from the album? Let us know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your fellow music lovers!
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