Renowned music superstar, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun well known as Wizkid is celebrating four years of existence of his album, Wizkid’s Made in Lagos, which was released on October 30, 2020.
The album which is a cultural movement that redefined Afrobeats globally has been applauded for bridging Nigerian sounds with global audiences, shattering records, and giving Afrobeat one of its most iconic anthems.
Going memory lane, When Made in Lagos arrived, it was swiftly accepted by fans and critics alike. It stood out with its lush blend of Afrobeat, reggae, and R&B, which showcased Wizkid’s maturation as an artist. It wasn’t just an album but a statement of Nigerian pride.
Songs like “Ginger” with Burna Boy and “Reckless” captured Wizkid’s signature mellow vibe, but the breakout hit “Essence,” featuring Tems, elevated the album to historic heights.
Essence became the anthem of summer 2021 and achieved unprecedented success, going platinum in the U.S. and reaching Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, marking a pivotal moment for Afrobeat on the world stage.
Beyond its musical success, Made in Lagos broke numerous records. It became the first Nigerian album to spend multiple weeks at the top of the Billboard World Albums chart and set the standard as the longest-charting Nigerian project on this chart.
With over 1 billion streams on various platforms, it has become Nigeria’s most streamed album on Apple Music and cemented Wizkid’s status as a global music icon.
Since its release, Made in Lagos has opened doors for Afrobeats and Nigerian music globally. It set new benchmarks for African artists, inspiring the next wave of musicians and fostering cultural pride in Nigeria and across Africa.
Four years on, Made in Lagos remains a testament to the power of music to transcend borders, unify cultures, and elevate African sounds worldwide.
