Nigerian singer‑songwriter [Wizkid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wizkid) has become the first African performer to exceed 12 billion streams on [Spotify](https://www.spotify.com), counting every track where he appears as lead or featured, according to recent data released by the streaming platform.
**What does the 12‑billion figure represent?**
The total aggregates streams from his entire catalogue, including solo releases, collaborations and guest appearances. The count covers songs such as "Ojuelegba," the chart‑topping "Essence" featuring Tems, and the critically acclaimed album *Made in Lagos*.
**Which collaborations boosted the tally?**
Wizkid’s partnership with Canadian rapper [Drake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drake_(musician)) on the global hit "One Dance" contributed significantly to his international streaming profile, alongside other cross‑border projects.
**Why is the milestone significant for African music?**
Crossing the 12‑billion‑stream threshold underscores the expanding reach of Nigerian and broader African sounds on worldwide platforms. It also highlights the artist’s status as a Grammy‑winning star whose music resonates far beyond the continent.
**How does this compare with other African artists?**
No other African act has previously recorded a cumulative streaming total of this magnitude on Spotify, making Wizkid the pioneer in this digital achievement.
The reported milestone not only adds to Wizkid’s list of accolades but also signals the growing appetite for African music among global audiences, reinforcing the continent’s influence in the streaming era.
