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Wizkid’s Made in Lagos isn’t just an album, it’s a cultural moment that continues to make waves years after its release. This week, the critically acclaimed project crossed an impressive 991 million streams on Spotify, edging closer to the coveted billion-stream mark and reaffirming its place as one of the most impactful Afrobeat albums ever released.
Originally dropping in October 2020, Made in Lagos arrived at a time when global listeners were hungry for fresh, feel-good sounds amidst the uncertainties of the pandemic. Wizkid delivered just that, crafting a body of work that effortlessly blended Afrobeat, reggae, R&B, and pop, while proudly representing his Nigerian roots.
The album’s star-studded lineup played a major role in its international success. Collaborations with the likes of Burna Boy, Skepta, H.E.R., Damian Marley, and Ella Mai gave the album global appeal, but it was the Tems-assisted hit “Essence” that became the undeniable anthem of 2021. The track not only dominated charts but also earned Wizkid his first Billboard Hot 100 entry and a Grammy nomination, a landmark achievement for any African artist.
Since then, Made in Lagos has become a staple on global playlists, Afrobeat parties, and music festival stages. Its seamless production, led by Nigerian producers like P2J, London, and Juls, showcases the evolution of Afrobeat into a sophisticated, genre-blending sound that appeals to audiences far beyond the continent.
With 991 million streams and counting, Made in Lagos stands as one of Spotify’s most-streamed African albums, putting Wizkid in rare company alongside Burna Boy and Davido. It’s a testament not just to the artist’s enduring star power, but to the growing global appetite for African music.
As fans await Wizkid’s next full-length project, the ongoing success of Made in Lagos reminds us why Wiz remains one of the most influential and celebrated African artists of his generation.