Afrobeats music has never been louder or prouder than it is today, and in 2025, one artist, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, known globally as Wizkid, reaffirmed his undisputed status at the forefront of the genre. Despite a music landscape teeming with powerhouse stars like Burna Boy, Davido, Tems, Asake, Olamide, and Rema, Wizkid stood out in a way that surprised even the most seasoned music pundits.

In a year when new music drops dominate the scene, Wizkid defied convention by choosing not to release a single or album of his own in 2025. Instead, he dominated the global music charts through his collaborations, proving that his star power remains undiminished.

Chart-Topping Collaborations and Global Streams

Despite a relatively quiet year, Wizkid became the most-streamed Nigerian artist on platforms like Apple Music and Spotify in 2025. His dominant presence across these platforms speaks volumes about his sustained global appeal. Wizkid’s legacy as a global star is reinforced by the fact that 25 of his songs ranked among the Most Streamed Songs on Apple Music Nigeria in 2025.

Not only did Wizkid’s collaborations carry him through the year, but his last album, Morayo, named after his late mother, became the most-streamed album in Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa on Apple Music this year. The enduring success of this album, which continues to top charts even a year after its release, highlights the durability of Wizkid’s artistry and his unique ability to stay relevant across generations.

Influence and Collaborations

Wizkid’s influence on the Afrobeat scene in 2025 is undeniable. His presence on tracks with other top artists has contributed significantly to his continued dominance. Some of his standout collaborations include:

• “Cash Flow” ft. Young Jonn
• “Getting Paid” ft. Sarz, Asake, and Skillibeng
• “Big Time” ft. OdumoduBlvck
• “Dynamite” ft. Tyla
• “Billionaires Club” ft. Olamide and Darkoo
• “Kai” ft. Olamide
• “Forever Be Mine” ft. Gunna
• “One Condition” ft. DJ Tunez and Fola
• “Money Constant” ft. DJ Maphorisa
• “Lighter” ft. A7S and David Guetta

These tracks, along with several others, have further solidified Wizkid’s position as one of the most influential figures in global music today. His ability to adapt to diverse sounds while still staying true to his African roots has made him a constant force on the charts.

A Groundbreaking Documentary: ‘Wizkid: Long Live Lagos’

In addition to his musical dominance, Wizkid’s cultural influence continues to grow through other ventures. His documentary, Wizkid: Long Live Lagos, directed by Karam Gill, offers an in-depth look at the singer’s journey from his humble beginnings in Lagos to his current status as an Afrobeat icon. The film, which is part of HBO’s Music Box documentary series, was released in 2025 and captivated audiences worldwide. It even featured his historic performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London in July 2023, where Wizkid became the first African artist to sell out the venue.

The documentary chronicles Wizkid’s rise from his 2011 debut album, Superstar, through his game-changing role in putting Afrobeats on the global map. It also delves into his personal life, exploring his deep connection to Lagos and his enduring commitment to his African roots, all while navigating his career at the highest levels of the international music industry.

A Cultural Ambassador for Afrobeats

Wizkid’s ability to stay relevant, even without fresh solo releases, speaks to the strength of his brand and the global recognition of Afrobeats. Having first established his dominance in Nigeria, he went on to make a mark internationally with his 2017 album, Sounds From the Other Side, which featured collaborations with global superstars like Drake, Major Lazer, and Ty Dolla $ign. Even though the album didn’t explode commercially as expected, Wizkid stayed true to his mission: to elevate African music globally.

By 2021, his collaboration on Beyoncé’s “Brown Skin Girl” earned him a Grammy, cementing his position as a global ambassador for Afrobeats. In 2025, as the genre continues to rise, Wizkid remains a cornerstone of that movement.

Wizkid’s Legacy in 2025

Wizkid’s ability to remain at the top of the global music scene without an official release in 2025 is a testament to his legacy. His impact on the music industry, both in Africa and worldwide, remains unmatched. In a year dominated by the next wave of Afrobeat stars, Wizkid once again demonstrated why he is regarded as the genre’s leader and one of its most enduring icons.

As the genre’s reach continues to grow, Wizkid’s influence will undoubtedly continue to inspire the next generation of artists and fans, ensuring that Afrobeats’ global ascent remains unstoppable.