CKay, Wizkid, and Rema Lead Nigerian Music’s Record-Breaking Success in the U.S.

Nigerian pop music, especially Afrobeats, is taking over the world with an impressive show in the United States. From viral hits to breaking multiple records, Nigerian artists have started solidifying their positions as global music icons. Stars such as CKay, Wizkid, and Rema have gained international attention and accomplished monumental feats, which include multiple RIAA certifications and topping charts. This further solidifies their impact on the growth in recognition of Afrobeats as a dominant force globally in music.

CKay’s “Love Nwantiti”

CKay leads the pack with his viral hit “Love Nwantiti,” which has sold over 8 million units in the U.S. The song’s popularity surged in 2021, largely due to its viral success on TikTok. This achievement positions “Love Nwantiti” as the most certified Nigerian song in the U.S., making it a strong contender to become Afrobeats’ first diamond-certified record.

Wizkid’s “Essence”

The Grammy-winning singer comes second among Nigerian acts in the U.S. His number 10 single “Essence,” featuring Tems and Justin Bieber, has sold over 4 million units. Wizkid is also the most certified Nigerian artiste in the United States, having eight certifications.

Rema – “Calm Down”

Rema is the third-best-performing Nigerian artiste in the U.S., selling over 5 million copies. The latter is very majorly inspired by the success of his single “Calm Down,” which got up to 6× RIAA Platinum in its success. The single had set several records apart from being the first from Africa to get over 1 billion streams in the US. It also holds the title of the highest-charting Nigerian song on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 3, and is the first African song to spend over 52 weeks on the chart. Moreover, “Calm Down” became the first African track to top Billboard’s radio chart. Other Notable Achievements

Other Nigerian acts have also reached significant milestones: Tems was the first Nigerian act to make an appearance on the Hot 100; Burna Boy holds the record for the most Hot 100 entries from a Nigerian act; and Davido’s song “Fall” became the first Nigerian song to go RIAA Gold.

These achievements have given tectonic expression to the irrepressible rise of Nigerian music on the global stage, especially in the United States. Afrobeats, once a regional sound, has grown into a worldwide phenomenon driven by Nigerian artists’ creativity, talent, and resilience. As these trailblazers continue to break records and set new benchmarks, they pave the way for the next generation, proving that the world is not just listening to Afrobeats- it’s embracing it as a cultural powerhouse.

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Ikenna Churchill

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