The iconic song “Ojuelegba” by Wizkid has profoundly shaped the global ascent of Afrobeats and continues to captivate millions of listeners worldwide. To commemorate the track’s 10th anniversary, Spotify has produced a special film that chronicles the song’s influential journey and impact over the past decade.
Released in 2014, “Ojuelegba” has amassed an impressive 55 million streams on Spotify, reaching this milestone in April 2024. The track’s success stems from its widespread popularity across diverse markets. Spotify’s data reveals the song’s remarkable global reach over the last ten years.
Listeners in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Nigeria, and the Netherlands contribute the most streams, solidifying these countries as the top five markets for “Ojuelegba.” Throughout this period, the song has cemented Wizkid’s status as one of Africa’s most influential artists.
Lagos, the song’s namesake city, unsurprisingly leads in streaming numbers for August. In this track, Wizkid pays homage to Ojuelegba, one of Lagos’ most renowned areas. London, Port Harcourt, Abuja, and Nairobi follow Lagos as the top cities streaming “Ojuelegba,” demonstrating the song’s enduring popularity in major urban centres across Nigeria and beyond.
“Ojuelegba” resonates with listeners of all ages but particularly captivates younger audiences.
In the past year, listeners aged 18-24 accounted for 43% of streams, underscoring the song’s continued relevance to today’s youth. The track also appeals significantly to older demographics. Indeed with 25-29 year-olds contributing 23% of plays and 30-34 year-olds accounting for 13%.
The song’s streaming history reflects its growing popularity and the broader expansion of Afrobeats. “Ojuelegba” reached its first million streams in August 2015, surpassing 10 million by January 2018. Now, it has exceeded 55 million streams on Spotify a decade after its release.
More than just a hit song, “Ojuelegba” has become a cultural phenomenon. Wizkid’s lyrics capture his journey, blending the vibrancy of Lagos street culture with themes of resilience and hope. The track has introduced many international listeners to Nigerian music, influencing artists, fans, and industry insiders.
As “Ojuelegba” celebrates its 10th anniversary, it retains its status as one of the most iconic Afrobeats tracks ever produced. The song stands as a powerful testament to the global impact and appeal of African music.
