Spotify celebrates 10 years of Wizkid’s ‘Ojuelegba’
Spotify Africa has marked the 10th anniversary of Wizkid’s iconic hit song “Ojuelegba,” celebrating the track’s enduring impact on both the global music industry and the rise of Afrobeats as a genre. Since its release in 2014, “Ojuelegba” has become a cultural phenomenon, helping to catapult Nigerian artist Wizkid into international stardom and solidify Afrobeats’ presence on the global stage.
In a celebratory post on X (formerly Twitter), Spotify Africa hailed the track’s influence, writing, “Celebrating 10 years of @wizkidayo’s Ojuelegba. Forever a classic.” The statement reflects the widespread acclaim the song has garnered, with many recognizing its role in shaping the current wave of Afrobeats, which has since become a dominant force in global music.
“Ojuelegba,” named after a bustling neighborhood in Lagos, Nigeria, captures the spirit of perseverance, hustle, and resilience that defines the city. Wizkid’s smooth blend of heartfelt lyrics and rhythmic beats resonated with fans not only in Nigeria but around the world, earning him widespread praise and cementing his status as one of Africa’s leading musical exports.
The song’s success on Spotify is a testament to its lasting impact. According to Spotify’s data, “Ojuelegba” has amassed over 55 million streams in the decade since its release. It continues to receive significant plays globally, with the United States, United Kingdom, France, Nigeria, and the Netherlands emerging as the top five countries where the track is most streamed.
Wizkid’s ability to connect with audiences across borders is further evidenced by the cities that lead in streams for the track. Lagos, the song’s namesake and home base for the artist, tops the list, followed by London, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Nairobi. These cities reflect both Wizkid’s local roots and his broad international fanbase, underscoring the song’s widespread appeal.
Spotify also provided insight into the demographics of listeners who have kept “Ojuelegba” in heavy rotation. A large portion of the track’s streams—43%—come from listeners between the ages of 18 and 24, while 23% are from those aged 25 to 29, and 13% from 30 to 34-year-olds. This wide range of age groups highlights the song’s timeless appeal and its ability to resonate across different generations.
The significance of “Ojuelegba” goes beyond just its numbers, however. It is widely regarded as a game-changer for Afrobeats, opening doors for other Nigerian and African artists to gain recognition in international markets. The song’s influence can be heard in the works of many Afrobeats stars today, as they draw on Wizkid’s pioneering blend of African rhythms with global sounds. Moreover, its success helped Afrobeats gain traction within the global music industry, contributing to the genre’s steady rise in mainstream markets, particularly in the West.
Wizkid’s track became even more iconic after it caught the attention of international artists like Drake and Skepta, who jumped on a remix of the song in 2015. The remix played a significant role in introducing Wizkid to a broader international audience, especially in North America, and further solidified his position as a global superstar.
In reflecting on the song’s journey, fans and industry insiders alike continue to recognize “Ojuelegba” as more than just a hit single. It represents a pivotal moment for Afrobeats—a turning point that showcased the genre’s potential to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. For many, it is a track that symbolizes the spirit of Lagos and the hustle of its streets, while also serving as a universal anthem for overcoming adversity.
As Spotify celebrates this milestone, it’s clear that “Ojuelegba” remains a cultural cornerstone in both Afrobeats and Wizkid’s illustrious career. The song’s legacy continues to inspire new artists and resonate with fans, proving that a decade later, its influence is as strong as ever.
