Wizkid has set a new record as his ‘Made In Lagos’ album becomes the first by an African artiste to be certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America in the U.S.
The RIAA, originally conceived to honour artists and track sound recording sales, now stands as a benchmark of success for artistes, with the Gold & Platinum Awards.
‘Made In Lagos’ was certified gold on August 25, 2022, after selling over 500,000 copies in the United States, making him the first African artiste to ever achieve such a feat.
Although the award-winning album, released October 29, 2020, is the first certified gold, a number of African artistes have had their singles certified gold by the RIAA.
Nigerian artiste Ckay’s “Love Nwantiti” single was certified platinum after selling over a million copies in the U.S., 600,000 in the UK and a host of other countries.
Nigerian artistes whose tracks have been certified gold by the RIAA include the following:
Ayo Jay – ‘Your number’ in 2017
Davido – ‘Fall’ in 2020
Wizkid ft Drake – ‘Come closer’ in 2020
Davido – ‘If’ in 2021
Burna Boy – ‘Ye’ in 2021
Rotimi ft Wale – ‘In my bed’ in 2021
Wizkid ft Tems – ‘Essence’ in 2021
Korede Bello – ‘Do Like That’ in 2021