Wizkid has been named African Artist of the year at the Annual Apple Music Awards.
Apple announced the winners of the third annual Apple Music Awards, recognising the best artists of 2021 and their influence on global culture.
The Apple Music Awards honour achievements in music across five distinct categories: Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Top Song of the Year, and Top Album of the Year.
And winners are chosen through a process that reflects both Apple Music’s editorial perspective and what customers around the world are listening to the most.
The list of winners was shared via the Apple website on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.
According to the press release on Apple Music website as it announced wizkid as “Artist of the Year” (Africa);
“Singer-songwriter Wizkid is one of Africa’s biggest crossover acts, having worked with Drake, Skepta, and Chris Brown, among others.
“The Nigerian musician first found regional success in 2011 with the massively popular single “Holla at Your Boy,” which appeared on his debut album, “Superstar.”
“Wizkid went global in 2016 after his collaboration with Drake on “One Dance,” which soared to the top of the charts in 15 countries.
“Between 2019 and 2020, Wizkid was featured in Beyoncé’s projects “The Lion King: The Gift” and its companion piece, “Black Is King.”
“In October 2020, he released “Made in Lagos,” his critically acclaimed and most commercially successful album, which included his hit song “Essence,” a track that gained 125 million plays on Apple Music and over 2.8 million Shazams.
“This past year, he’s been the most streamed African artist on the continent on Apple Music and ranked on the Daily Top 100 charts in 60 countries, in addition to his monthly plays on Apple Music growing by more than 250 percent outside of Africa.
“He’s also been featured on Apple Music’s Today’s Hits and R&B Now playlists, and he’s a frequent guest on Apple Music Radio shows, including “Africa Now Radio,” “The Ebro Show,” “New Music Daily with Zane Lowe,” and “OVO SOUND RADIO.
It has certainly been a remarkable year for Wizkidayo with his song, “Essence” off his sensational “Made in Lagos” smashing its way into the global scene and clinching several awards.
The “Ojuelegba” singer has also been nominated for the 2022 Grammy Awards in two categories and his songs currently occupy top spots on most of the Billboard charts.
2021 has by far been the best year for African music in a long while and Star boy is championing the movement.
“Thank you to Apple Music for this award,” Wizkid said. “It’s a blessing to get to do what I do, and I’m proud to be representing for Africa.”
