Nigeria’s global music ambassador Afrobeats superstar Wizkid continued his trailblazing run this week with not one, but two milestone moments: a groundbreaking orchestral performance in Los Angeles and becoming the first African artist to surpass 9 billion streams on Spotify.

1. A Historic Night at the Hollywood Bowl

On June 22, Wizkid took the stage at LA’s iconic Hollywood Bowl, performing alongside the Color of Noize Orchestra, under the baton of conductor Derrick Hodge. The sold-out event saw him reimagine hits like “Kese (Dance),” “Essence,” and “MMS” with sweeping orchestral arrangements. Nigerian dancehall star Shenseea also graced the stage, delivering an electrifying rendition of “MMS” alongside him.

This wasn’t just another concert—it was a cultural moment. Critics and fans alike praised the fusion of orchestral grandeur with Afrobeats energy. As one report put it, Wizkid “mesmerises fans” and “shines in landmark orchestra performance,” proving that Afrobeats not only moves dance floors—it can soar in symphonic spaces too.

2. Spotify Domination: 9 Billion Streams and Counting

Just days after his Hollywood Bowl triumph, Wizkid added another accolade to his legacy. He officially surpassed 9 billion streams on Spotify—across all credits—making him the first ever African artist to reach this historic milestone.

Wizkid took to his social media channels to celebrate the achievement, sharing videos and posting stories commemorating the feat  . Fans flooded the comments, congratulating the star who, through hits large and small, cemented his global cultural presence.

These twin accomplishments—a transformative live orchestral show at a legendary venue, and a record-breaking streaming milestone—reinforce that Wizkid is not just performing, he’s redefining what success looks like for African artists on the world stage.

• Cultural Amplification: By collaborating with a full orchestra at Hollywood Bowl, he demonstrated Afrobeats’ emotional depth and musical versatility, expanding its appeal well beyond typical pop venues.

• Streaming Supremacy: Crossing 9 billion streams on Spotify solidifies his commercial clout, claiming a global audience while breaking digital frontiers for African music.

What’s Next for Wizkid?

With the Long Live Lagos documentary premiere at Tribeca behind him, and the Hollywood Bowl performance now part of Afrobeats lore, fans are left hungry for more. Will he release new music? Tour? Collaborate further with orchestras?

One thing’s evident: Wizkid isn’t just riding the wave; he’s shaping the future. This week’s achievements shine a new spotlight on African artistry—and it’s only just beginning.