Nigerian superstar and Grammy award winner Wizkid has been named Artist of the year (Africa) by Apple Music.
Wizkid was announced Artist of the year(Africa) at the third annual Apple Music awards.
According to a statement released by Apple music on Nov. 30, Wizkid is one of Africa’s biggest crossover acts after working with international artists such as Drake and Chris Brown among others.
“Singer-songwriter Wizkid is one of Africa’s biggest crossover acts, having worked with Drake, Skepta, and Chris Brown, among others,” the statement reads
“The Nigerian musician first found regional success in 2011 with the massively popular single “Holla at Your Boy,” which appeared on his debut album, “Superstar.” Wizkid went global in 2016 after his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance,” which soared to the top of the charts in 15 countries.”
The statement further says that Wizkid’s song featuring Tems “Essence” from the “Made in Lagos” album, got 125 million plays on Apple Music. Over 2.8 million people searched the song on Shazam.
“Between 2019 and 2020, Wizkid was featured in Beyoncé’s projects “The Lion King: The Gift” and its companion piece, “Black Is King.” In October 2020, he released “Made in Lagos,” his critically acclaimed and most commercially successful album, which included his hit song “Essence,” a track that gained 125 million plays on Apple Music and over 2.8 million Shazams.”
In addition, Apple Music noted that the Nigerian superstar has been the most streamed African artist on the site, therefore growing his monthly play on Apple Music by more than 250 percent.
“This past year, he’s been the most streamed African artist on the continent on Apple Music and ranked on the Daily Top 100 charts in 60 countries, in addition to his monthly plays on Apple Music growing by more than 250 percent outside of Africa. He’s also been featured on Apple Music’s Today’s Hits and R&B Now playlists, and he’s a frequent guest on Apple Music Radio shows, including “Africa Now Radio,” “The Ebro Show,” “New Music Daily with Zane Lowe,” and “OVO SOUND RADIO.”
Elated at receiving the award, Wizkid went on to thank the streaming platform for the recognition.
“Thank you to Apple Music for this award, It’s a blessing to get to do what I do, and I’m proud to be representing for Africa.” he said.
Other artists who won in the third annual Apple Music awards were; The Weekend (Global artist of the year), H.E.R (Songwriter of the year), Olivia Rodrigo (Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the year) Aya Nakamura (Artist of the Year (France) among others.
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