Wizkid beats 27-year Billboard chart record

The Afrobeats superstar’s album has now spent 67 weeks on the chart. It has also surpassed Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti’s The Best of the Black President compilation album, which occupied the chart for a total of 45 weeks.

Since its release in 2020, Made In Lagos, which stresses the African roots of Wizkid’s sound while celebrating global sounds such as R&B, pop and reggae, has courted international acclaim, largely propped by the Tems-assisted global hit ‘Essence’. 

Following the album’s monumental success, Wizkid announced a deluxe version in August 2021. The updated album saw the addition of four new songs, including ‘Anoti’, ‘Steady’, ‘Mood’ and a remix of ‘Essence’ featuring a new verse from Canadian popstar Justin Bieber.

The project also made Wizkid the most successful African artist of 2021, touring notable global destinations and raking in multiple awards. The song and album are up for Grammys at the 64th edition of the awards slated for 3 April in Los Angeles. ‘Essence’ is up for the Best Global Music Performance Award while Made in Lagos: Deluxe Edition is competing for Best Global Music Album.

Meanwhile, Wizkid is due to release a new album titled More Love Less Ego sometime this year.