Tag Archive for: wizkid

“Wizkid Stole My ”Name”—Seun Kuti Makes Shocking Claim

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Nigerian Afrobeat star Seun Kuti has accused Afrobeats superstar Wizkid of stealing his longtime nickname “Big Bird.”

The claim came during a recent Instagram livestream, after a Wizkid fan (FC) urged Seun to drop “Big Bird” since Wizkid is popularly known as “Biggest Bird.”

Seun fired back, insisting he’s the original and telling the fan to advise Wizkid to be more creative instead.

He said:

“Wizkid stole my name. Tell your fave to be original. Why are you telling me to change my name? Sorry, I can’t change it. This name has been here since. Nah me first put am. I am not dragging it with anybody, please.”

Legendary Feat: Wizkid Surpasses 10 Billion Spotify Streams, First African Ever

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Wizkid has officially surpassed 10 billion total streams on Spotify across all credits, becoming the first African artist ever to achieve this historic milestone, as confirmed by industry trackers in early January 2026.

This groundbreaking feat is far more than a number—it stands as undeniable proof of his immense global impact and the explosive rise of Afrobeats on the world stage. Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkid has evolved from a rising Nigerian talent into the undisputed face of Afrobeats and a true global superstar, thanks to his innovative sound, powerful collaborations, relentless evolution, and an incredibly loyal fanbase.

As of early January 2026, he boasts more than 13 million monthly listeners on Spotify (with peaks reaching up to 13.8 million), his catalog seamlessly blending traditional African rhythms with R&B, dancehall, and pop elements that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

The journey to this record began in the early 2010s with his debut album Superstar (2011), which introduced timeless tracks like “Holla at Your Boy” and “Don’t Dull.” The real turning point came in 2014 with “Ojuelegba,” a raw, heartfelt anthem of urban hustle and dreams that has amassed over 100 million streams and became the first Afrobeats song to receive a major international remix featuring Drake and Skepta in 2015—sparking worldwide attention for the genre and widely regarded as one of the greatest Afrobeats tracks of all time.

Momentum exploded further with his iconic feature on Drake’s 2016 global smash “One Dance” (alongside Kyla), now one of the biggest songs of the 21st century with over 3 billion streams. Subsequent hits like “Come Closer” (feat. Drake), the viral phenomenon “Essence” (feat. Tems—over 333–334 million streams, platinum-certified, and boosted by a Justin Bieber remix), “Joro” (over 200 million), and “2 Sugar” (feat. Ayra Starr—over 70 million) have kept his catalog growing.

Key albums such as Made in Lagos (his most-streamed project, surpassing 1 billion streams), More Love, Less Ego, and Morayo (the most-streamed album on Spotify Nigeria in 2025) have added massive volume, while high-profile collaborations with artists like Beyoncé, Chris Brown, Skepta, Major Lazer, Metro Boomin, and Ty Dolla $ign have accelerated his reach.

Beyond the streams, Wizkid’s influence is profound: he is widely credited as the architect of modern Afrobeats, inspiring a new generation with his unique fusion of fuji, R&B, and hip-hop. His achievements include the record-breaking 2024 concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, sold-out shows across Europe and the Americas, and an unmatched awards tally—over 15 Headies wins, a Grammy, BET, MOBO, MAMAs, and a total of 197 career awards, making him one of Africa’s most decorated musicians.

Leading far ahead of peers (Burna Boy currently sits at over 9.5 billion), this 10 billion milestone is a monumental victory not just for Wizkid, but for Afrobeats and the entire continent’s growing global dominance.

Wizkid Inducted as Honorary Member of Lagos Motor Boat Club

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Nigerian music star Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has been formally inducted as an honorary member of the prestigious Lagos Motor Boat Club, one of Nigeria’s oldest and most renowned private social clubs.

The induction followed Wizkid’s high-energy performance at the club’s New Year’s Eve gala, where he entertained attendees with his signature Afrobeats repertoire. During a ceremony at the event, the club’s Commodore presented the internationally acclaimed musician with an official certificate of honorary membership and a club hat.

Founded on 23 January 1950, the Lagos Motor Boat Club has long been recognised as a pre-eminent social and boating organisation in the country. It maintains a membership drawn from prominent boat owners, business leaders, and social figures, and has played a continuous role in Lagos’s elite recreational and cultural life for over seven decades.

In accepting the honour, Wizkid joins a roster of distinguished figures associated with the club. The organisation, originally formed by boating enthusiasts breaking away from the earlier Lagos Tarpon Club, has grown to include a wide array of recreational and social activities for its members throughout its history.

Wizkid’s induction highlights an intersection between contemporary Nigerian entertainment and the long-standing traditions of the Lagos Motor Boat Club, symbolically linking his global cultural influence with one of the country’s notable social institutions.

From breaking barriers on international stages to earning respect within Nigeria’s most prestigious social circles, Wizkid continues to redefine what it means to be a Nigerian artist in the global arena. This latest honor adds another distinguished chapter to his remarkable journey.