- CKay has become the first Nigerian solo artist to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify, marking a historic milestone in his global music career.
Afrobeats star CKay has achieved a monumental milestone, becoming the first Nigerian artist to have a solo track surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify with his global hit, “Love Nwantiti (Ah Ah Ah).”
The 2019 song, which gained massive popularity as a TikTok sensation two years later, recently crossed the billion-stream mark on the platform, securing CKay’s position as the first solo male African artist to reach this landmark.
The elated singer reacted to the achievement on his X handle:
“First solo nigerian song to cross 1 billion streams. Grateful to God and the people involved in this historic success! thank you for streaming.”
African Billion-Stream Milestones:
While CKay is the first Nigerian with a solo track, several other African artists have hit the billion-stream mark through collaborations or being the lead artist:
Wizkid: The first African artist to join the Spotify 1 billion club in 2017 through his collaboration on Drake’s “One Dance.”
Rema: The first African lead artist to have a song surpass 1 billion streams with the remix of his hit “Calm Down” featuring American superstar Selena Gomez.
Tyla: The first African female artist to join the Spotify 1 billion club with her viral solo hit “Water.”
In other news…. Popular Nigerian filmmaker and activist Stanley Ajemba, widely known as Stanley Ontop, has been released from police custody after spending one night in detention.
Stanley was arrested on Tuesday and held at the Delta State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Asaba following a defamation petition filed by his colleague, actress Queeneth Hilbeth.
His detention sparked widespread criticism on social media, with many celebrities calling for his immediate release.
The actor was released on Wednesday evening. Announcing his freedom in a video shared on Instagram, Stanley Ontop shouted:
“We are out, we’re out, we’re out! The struggle continues, no leave no transfer. Aluta continua. Thanks to my team and family. The love was massive meenh.”
