Wizkid quietly achieved a major milestone in November 2024 when his hit single “Joro” was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying over 500,000 units sold in the U.S. It followed the earlier success of his album “Made in Lagos,” which earned Gold status in 2022. These two certifications made Wizkid the first African artist to receive U.S. Gold recognition as a lead artist for both a single and an album.
While the certifications had been official for months, it wasn’t until June 17, 2025, that the moment exploded into public conversation. The trigger? A formal announcement from the Hollywood Bowl, just days before Wizkid’s scheduled performance at the iconic venue.
That statement set social media ablaze. Though the Gold was old news to some, the venue’s endorsement gave it new life. The combination of timing, wording, and credibility sparked celebration, debates, and fresh bragging rights online. Fans across every camp, Wizkid FC, Davido’s 30BG, and Burna Boy’s Outsiders, jumped into the conversation.
What began as a simple acknowledgment became a cultural headline. The Hollywood Bowl’s recognition placed Wizkid’s achievement in a new light, one that reached beyond music and into the heart of global entertainment.
The Reactions: Fan Wars, Celebrations, and Subtle Shade
The Hollywood Bowl tweet may have started the fire, but the real action happened in the replies and quote tweets. As expected, the reactions were both congratulatory and tribal. For Wizkid FC, it was confirmation. For 30BG, a reason to defend their man. And for Outsiders, a reminder that the Grammy sits elsewhere.
Wizkid FC, always swift with their receipts and energy, trended phrases like “Machala First,” “Global Wiz,” and “Wizkid the Goat.” Videos of his Made in Lagos tour resurfaced online with captions like “500K pure sales. No gimmicks.” Some fans even quoted old tweets where Wizkid predicted international domination, using them to flex on critics.
Davido’s fans, known for their online strength and stage-focused loyalty, took a different route. They brought up stats showing Davido’s Spotify streaming numbers, U.S. tours, and international awards. Some tweets threw shade at the wording of the Hollywood Bowl post, asking:
@Beckkyyy55 The first African act to have a gold cert in the US is not even from Nigeria @HollywoodBowl get your facts right
Others joked:
@_BiGDaMMY @Davido see your Elder brother o
Burna Boy’s fans, often more subtle, leaned on Burna’s Grammy win, his Coachella performance, and sold-out stadium shows across Europe. Some respected Wizkid’s milestone but claimed Burna’s reach is more culturally influential. Reddit threads debated whether Gold status or a Grammy mattered more for global respect.
Amid all the back and forth, one point stood firm: this was a win for Nigerian music. Rivalries aside, most fans acknowledged the significance of the achievement, saying things like:
@Juwon271650 Wizkid, you’re the epitome of African excellence! Your music may be rooted in Nigeria, but your impact is global. A true legend, breaking barriers and setting records. You’re a man of wisdom, peace, and pure talent no drama, no beef, just hard work and dedication.
@Zayn_VXI @grok put a crown on his head and a goat beside him
Wizkid’s Gold Record and the RIAA Certification Explained
To fully appreciate the scale of this moment, it helps to understand what the RIAA Gold certification really means. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) gives this award when a single or album reaches 500,000 units sold in the United States. These units include physical sales, digital downloads, and on-demand streams. Specifically, 150 streams = 1 sale for certification purposes.
In a streaming-dominated world, reaching 500,000 certified units is still a major accomplishment. It’s not about virality or a temporary trend. It requires consistent replay value, loyal fans, and music that doesn’t fade after a few weeks.
Wizkid’s single “Joro” hit that threshold in November 2024, a full five years after its release in 2019. It wasn’t a viral hit. It was a slow-burn classic, the kind of song that grows legs over time. The Afrobeat rhythm, melodic vocals, and spiritual vibe turned it into a fan favorite across continents.
Even more impressive is the Gold certification of Wizkid’s album Made in Lagos in August 2022. That body of work, featuring tracks like “Essence” and “Blessed,” is widely considered one of the most important Afrobeats albums in history. It showed that an entire African album rooted in Nigerian culture could perform on global streaming platforms without a Western co-sign on every track.
These certifications mean real numbers, verified success, and serious industry respect. It’s the kind of recognition that moves an artist from “international feature” to “global headliner.”
A Proud Moment for Nigeria and the Continent
For Nigerians, this win goes far beyond the music. It’s a matter of national pride. Local blogs, international press, and cultural commentators praised Wizkid’s milestone as proof that Nigeria’s creative exports are reaching new heights.
Artists from across the continent, from Ghana to Kenya, celebrated on Instagram and Twitter. Some called it a “victory for all of us.” Others simply reposted the Hollywood Bowl announcement with flame emojis and Nigeria’s green-white-green flag.
This milestone also carries symbolic weight. For years, African artists struggled to get even a mention in major U.S. awards or media. Now, an African artist is headlining legendary venues and earning top certifications.
It’s a shift in cultural power. From fashion to film to music, African creators are now seen, heard, and respected on their own terms.
