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Celebrating Wizkid Day: Records and Achievements of Africa’s Afrobeats Star

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By Cynthia Abbah

In honor of Wizkid Day, here’s a look at the remarkable achievements and records held by Nigerian Grammy-winning artist Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, in the music industry.

Wizkid has not only been an inspiration but also a trailblazer who broke barriers and propelled Afrobeats to global acclaim.

First Afrobeat Artist to Hold a Top 10 Position on Billboard Hot 100

Wizkid made history as the first Afrobeats artist to achieve a top 10 position on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. His song ‘Essence,’ featuring Tems and Justin Bieber on the remix, peaked at number nine, marking a significant milestone for Afrobeats on the global stage.

African Artist with the Highest Platinum Certifications in the US

With three platinum certifications from the RIAA in the US, Wizkid holds the record for the African artist with the most platinum certifications. Notably, ‘One Dance’ featuring Drake from his ‘Sounds From The Other Side’ album contributed to this achievement.

First African to Debut with an Album on Spotify Global Album Charts

Wizkid became the first African act to debut an album on the Spotify Global Album Chart with ‘Made In Lagos,’ which entered the top 10 upon its release. This feat highlighted his international appeal and musical prowess.

Longest Charting African Album on Billboard World Albums Chart

‘Made In Lagos’ holds the record for the longest-charting album by an African on the Billboard World Albums Chart, surpassing 100 weeks. It also reached number one on the chart, marking a historic achievement for Nigerian music.

First Nigerian to Be Nominated for the Billboard Music Awards

Wizkid was the first Nigerian artist nominated for the Billboard Music Awards, receiving multiple nominations for his collaborations and solo work, including ‘One Dance’ and ‘Essence.’

First African and Nigerian Song to Receive Platinum Certification in the USA

‘Essence,’ Wizkid’s collaboration with Tems, achieved RIAA platinum certification, making it the first African and Nigerian song to receive this honor in the United States.

African Artist with the Highest BET Award Nominations

Wizkid holds the record for the most BET Award nominations by a Nigerian artist, with notable wins outside the Best International Act category. His influence and success have garnered seven nominations throughout his career.

iTunes World Chart Record and Guinness World Record

Wizkid topped the iTunes World Chart with ‘One Dance’ and maintained the number one spot for over a week. His contribution to Drake’s ‘One Dance’ also earned him a Guinness World Record for the most played song on Spotify with over 1 billion streams.

First Nigerian to Win an ASCAP Award

In a groundbreaking achievement, Wizkid became the first Nigerian to win an ASCAP Award for his songwriting contributions to Drake’s ‘One Dance,’ recognized by The American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.

Grammy Award and Royal Albert Hall Performance

Wizkid won his first Grammy Award for his collaboration on Beyoncé’s ‘Brown Skin Girl.’ Additionally, he became the first Afro-pop artist to perform and sell out London’s Royal Albert Hall, cementing his status among global music icons.

 

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Entertainment

How Abuja-Based Musician Sammy More Rose to Fame Playing at Nightclubs and Lounges

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By Ade Iyamoye 

Sammy More’s rise to fame in the music industry wasn’t an overnight success. For him, the road to recognition was paved with hard work, resilience, and a deep passion for highlife and juju music.

His journey, though marked by early struggles, took a significant turn through performances at nightclubs and lounges, which helped him build a loyal fanbase and catch the attention of the wider music scene.

 

The Early Struggles

Like many aspiring artists, Sammy More faced the typical challenges of securing a platform and breaking into the competitive music industry.

But what set him apart was his unwavering commitment to perfecting his craft and using every opportunity to perform live.

The energetic nightlife scenes became his proving ground, where he refined his skills and learned the dynamics of connecting with diverse audiences.

The Nightclub Scene: A Launchpad for Stardom

Nightclubs and lounges were crucial in shaping Sammy’s career. These lively venues gave him the chance to interact with audiences, offering an intimate space where he could showcase his unique blend of highlife and juju music.

The pulsating beats, the vibrant atmosphere, and the engaged crowd were perfect for his style, making it the ideal setting for him to shine.

Sammy quickly learned that engaging with his audience was key. He understood that his music wasn’t just about playing instruments but creating an experience that resonated with people.

Each performance was a dialogue with the crowd, making them feel the energy and passion of the music.

 

Building a Loyal Fanbase

Through consistent performances, Sammy began to build a strong fanbase.

Word of mouth spread, and soon his music became synonymous with memorable nights out. As his popularity grew, so did his confidence.

He transitioned from a local musician to a recognizable figure in Abuja’s music scene, with people eagerly anticipating his next performance.

 

The Turning Point: From Lounges to Larger Stages

What started in smaller venues soon caught the attention of a broader audience.

Sammy’s success at nightclubs and lounges led to bigger opportunities, including concert performances, album launches, and collaborations with renowned artists.

The exposure from these intimate settings became the stepping stone to his breakthrough in the larger music industry.

 

The Impact of the Nightlife Scene

Performing at nightclubs and lounges played a pivotal role in Sammy More’s career.

It allowed him to build his reputation, connect with fans, and get noticed by industry professionals.

The experience laid the foundation for his high-profile events, like the “Sammy More Live in Concert/Album Launch,” marking his ascent to stardom.

Today, as the CEO of Sammy More International, Sammy reflects on his humble beginnings.

While his music continues to evolve, the lessons he learned from the nightclub and lounge scenes remain integral to his artistry and success.

His story is a testament to the power of persistence, resilience, and creating an unforgettable experience for every audience.

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Entertainment

Tinubu Celebrates Osuofia at 70

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By Our Correspondent

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated veteran Nollywood actor Nkem Owoh, popularly known as Osuofia, on his 70th birthday, applauding his immense contribution to the film industry.

Tinubu praised Owoh’s ability to use humor and storytelling to reflect Nigeria’s vibrant culture, citing his legendary roles in Osuofia in London and Ikuku 1 & 2, which have entertained audiences for decades.

Recognizing his achievements, including his 2008 AMAA Best Actor award, the President wished Owoh continued health and creative success, expressing hope that his legacy will continue to inspire younger entertainers.

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Entertainment

Tems Shines Globally with Four RIAA Certifications

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Nigerian R&B sensation Tems has achieved a major career milestone as her hit song Free Mind is certified 2X Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), surpassing two million sales in the U.S.

The track also enjoyed a 26-week run on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 46.

Additionally, Higher has earned platinum status, while her collaboration with Brent Faiyaz, Found, and her BET-winning single Me & U have both been certified Gold.

This achievement follows her historic second Grammy win at the 67th Grammy Awards, further solidifying her global dominance.

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