Wizkid’s 2019 song certified gold by RIAA for half a million units

Wizkid

At a Glance

Wizkid’s 2019 single “Joro” certified gold by RIAA, reflecting over 500,000 certified units sold through downloads and streams.
His latest album, Morayo, set a Spotify record for the biggest opening day by an African artist, with 12.2 million streams in 24 hours.
“Morayo” charted across Europe, peaking at No. 14 in the UK, No. 35 in Switzerland, and No. 50 in Ireland.

Nigerian music superstar Ayodeji Balogun, globally known as Wizkid, has cemented his legacy in the global music industry with a series of record-breaking achievements.

His 2019 hit single “Joro” has been certified gold in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), a milestone that reflects its enduring appeal.

The certification, awarded on Nov. 22, marks over 500,000 certified units sold, encompassing both permanent digital downloads and on-demand streams.

The track, which blends mid-tempo Afrobeats rhythms with Wizkid’s silky melodies and evocative lyrics, was released on September 30, 2019, under RCA Records and Wizkid’s own Starboy Entertainment.

Translating loosely to “come, let’s enjoy” in Yoruba, “Joro” is an ode to love that has resonated with audiences globally, amassing over 127 million streams on Spotify and an astounding 293 million views on YouTube.

RIAA certification process

RIAA certification is a prestigious benchmark in the U.S. music industry. Each digital download counts as one unit, while 150 on-demand streams (audio or video) also equate to one unit. This system underscores the significant impact of streaming on modern music consumption.

Alongside “Joro,” Wizkid’s collaboration with Burna Boy, “Ginger,” was also certified gold on the same day, further showcasing the dominance of Afrobeats on the global stage.

Morayo: Record-breaking album

Wizkid’s recent studio album “Morayo” has shattered streaming and chart records, reinforcing his status as a global music powerhouse.

The album debuted with 12.2 million streams on Spotify within its first 24 hours, marking the biggest opening day for any African album on the platform. All 16 tracks achieved over 500,000 streams on their release day, a first for any African artist.

In its first week, “Morayo” garnered 42 million streams, surpassing the previous record held by South African artist Tyla’s “Water”. The feat solidifies Wizkid’s dominance in Afrobeats and his appeal to international audiences.

Chart success across Europe

Beyond streaming platforms, Morayo has performed impressively on European charts. The album peaked at No. 14 on the UK Albums Chart, No. 35 on the Swiss Albums Chart, and No. 50 on the Irish Albums Chart.

It also made notable entries in the Netherlands and Belgium, further highlighting Wizkid’s growing influence across diverse markets.

Omokolade Ajayi