October 20, 2020, a date etched in history as Ayodeji Balogun, better known as the iconic “Wizkid,” released his highly anticipated masterpiece, “Made In Lagos”. This album wasn’t just a collection of tracks but a cultural shift, propelling Afrobeats into a new era.

The album’s fusion of Afrobeat, R&B, and soulful sounds showcased Wizkid’s versatility as an artist, and its success solidified his place as an icon of Afrobeat music. Made in Lagos wasn’t just a collection of tracks but a cultural shift, propelling Afrobeats into a new era.

At its core, “Made In Lagos” was a constellation of hits. Yet, it was “Essence” featuring Tems that ignited a wildfire of attention, not just a standout track but a global phenomenon. The album became a lifestyle embraced by icons like Kevin Hart, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Kanye West, who dubbed it the “Greatest Song Ever.”

As accolades poured in, Wizkid didn’t just bask in the glory; he expanded the album’s universe with a Deluxe release featuring luminaries like BNXN on their hit song “Mood” and Justin Bieber, breathing new life into the already iconic”Essence.”

Wizkid’s triumph with “Made In Lagos” reverberated far beyond the shores of Africa. It became the first Gold-certified African album in the US, a testament to its universal appeal. Gold certifications in the UK, Canada, Switzerland, and beyond solidified its status as a global phenomenon.

And then came 2021, a year that saw Wizkid etch his name in the annals of history by selling out the legendary O2 Arena in under 12 minutes. It was an unprecedented feat, marking him the first African artist to achieve such a milestone. He stood shoulder to shoulder with legends, carving his place in the pantheon of musical greats.

But Wizkid didn’t stop there. He turned the O2 into his playground by announcing two more nights to make it three consecutive nights within 45 minutes. As he graced the stage, he brought along stars from his album each night, a testament to the unity of the Afrobeats community. Burna Boy, Chris Brown, Tems, Skepta,  Tay Iwar and BNXN (formerly known as Buju) each added their magic.

“Essence,” the crown jewel of “Made In Lagos,” soared to unprecedented heights, climbing to number 9 on the Billboard Hot 100, a milestone never before achieved by an Afrobeats artist. It wasn’t just a song. It was a global anthem, tagged “Song of the Summer”, that resonated with hearts and souls around the world.

The album continues to dominate charts to this day, clocking an impressive 130 weeks on the Billboard World Album chart. He piled up awards like trophies on his mantle, but none more historic than the Best Collaboration award at the 2022 BET Awards, where “Essence” reigned supreme, cementing Wizkid’s legacy and spotlighting the rising star, Tems.

However, Wizkid couldn’t top the standards he set with Made in Lagos on his last album, “More Love Less Ego”. The icon has now teased a new album in loving memory of his mom, Mrs Jane Dolapo Balogun. Whom he lost in August 2023 (May her soul rest well). Since the success of his last EP, “S2,” which he seemed to have used to connect back locally. Anticipation for his upcoming album reaches a fever pitch. Will Wizkid take us on a journey again, like he did with “Made In Lagos”? Only time will tell.

Watch A Visualizer Of Wizkid’s Made in Lagos Era here.

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