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Wizkid & Burna Boy, Only Two Nigerians Whose Albums Achieve Gold Status in New Zealand
Nigeria’s foremost Afrobeats stars, Wizkid and Burna Boy, continue to defy boundaries and prove their global appeal as their iconic albums have been officially certified gold by Recorded Music NZ, the official recording industry association of New Zealand, marking a major milestone in the nation’s musical landscape.
The global rise of Afrobeats continues to make waves, with Nigerian music reaching unprecedented milestones on international stages. In New Zealand, two Nigerian albums have achieved Gold certification—a testament to the genre’s growing influence and universal appeal.
Wizkid – Made In Lagos
Released in 2020, ‘Made In Lagos‘ marked a turning point in Wizkid’s career, solidifying his status as a global icon. The album masterfully blends Afrobeats, R&B, and reggae, featuring standout tracks like ‘Essence‘ (featuring Tems), which was widely celebrated as the “song of the summer” in various regions.
The project garnered immense international success, earning critical acclaim, chart placements, and multiple certifications. The Gold status in New Zealand further underscores *Made In Lagos* as a cultural phenomenon that transcends borders.
NEWS 🚨🦅
Wizkid’s “Made In Lagos” has been certified GOLD in New Zealand since 2023. 🇳🇿👏🏾 pic.twitter.com/l8JVy9wU21
— The Debut Hub (@thedebuthub) January 7, 2025
Burna Boy – Love, Damini
Burna Boy’s ‘Love, Damini,‘ released in 2022, is his most introspective work to date. It weaves personal reflections with rich storytelling and a fusion of Afrobeat, dancehall, and pop sounds.
Singles like ‘Last Last‘ and ‘For My Hand’ (featuring Ed Sheeran) played a pivotal role in its international appeal. The album’s Gold certification in New Zealand is yet another example of Burna Boy’s expanding global footprint and his ability to connect with audiences far beyond Africa.
.@burnaboy’s “Love, Damini” album has been certified Gold in New Zealand 🇳🇿 since 2023.
— Burna Boy further extends his record as the most certified African Artist in the country (11) pic.twitter.com/5XzkLcIAVm
— BURNA BOY STATS (@BurnaBoyStats) January 7, 2025
These certifications represent more than just sales numbers; they signify a breakthrough for Nigerian artists in non-traditional markets. New Zealand’s music scene, predominantly focused on pop, rock, and indie genres, has now embraced Afrobeats, reflecting its growing universality.
As Nigerian artists dominate streaming platforms and headline sold-out shows worldwide, milestones like these underscore Afrobeats’ increasing acceptance and recognition within the global music industry.
With trailblazers like Wizkid and Burna Boy paving the way, more Nigerian artists are poised to achieve similar feats, further solidifying the genre’s place on the global stage.
Only TWO Nigerian albums are certified in New Zealand 🇳🇬🇳🇿
• Wizkid – “Made In Lagos” (Gold)
• Burna Boy – “Love, Damini” (Gold) pic.twitter.com/NlUm7o2h0b— 49th. (@the49thstreet) January 7, 2025