In a stunning move, Nigerian music icon Olamide has released a surprise EP, ‘Ikigai’, which has made history by achieving the highest opening day streams on Spotify Nigeria in 2024.
With over a decade of producing hits, Olamide has cemented his status as one of the greatest Nigerian artists of the modern era. The 7-track EP, titled ‘Ikigai’ – a Japanese phrase for “reason for being” or “life’s purpose” – has garnered an impressive 1.86 million streams in its first 24 hours, surpassing Shallipopi’s ‘Shakespopi’ and setting a new record.
Biggest opening day streams of 2024 on Spotify Nigeria
— TurnTable Charts (@TurntableCharts) June 28, 2024
— @Olamide ‘Ikigai / 生き甲斐, Vol. 1’ 1.86M
— @plutomaniapopi ‘Shakespopi’ 1.59M
— @ayrastarr ‘The Year I Turned 21’ 1.27M
— @temsbaby ‘Born In The Wild’ 1.03M
— @YoungJonn ‘Jiggy Forever’ 860k
— @rugerofficial & @BNXN… pic.twitter.com/WoIjMfGNHA
This achievement reinforces Olamide’s position as the most streamed African rapper on Spotify, with his 2020 album ‘Carpe Diem’ holding the title of the most streamed album by a Nigerian rapper.
‘Ikigai’ features collaborations with YBNL stars Fireboy and Asake, as well as former associates Pheelz, Young Jonn, and Lil Kesh. This project marks Olamide’s 10th solo work and 15th overall, solidifying his extensive discography in Nigerian mainstream music.
Biggest first day streams by albums on Spotify Nigeria (all-time)
— TurnTable Charts (@TurntableCharts) June 28, 2024
1. @davido ‘Timeless’ — 4.91M
2. @burnaboy ‘I Told Them’ — 2.93M
3. @asakemusik ‘Work Of Art’ — 2.27M
4. @wizkidayo ‘S2’ -EP — 2.08M
5. @Olamide ‘Ikigai / 生き甲斐, Vol. 1’ 1.86M
6. @Olamide ‘Unruly’ — 1.81M
7.… pic.twitter.com/n9IrkfCm9s
The EP’s opening day numbers surpass Olamide’s previous record of 1.81 million with his 2023 album ‘Unruly’, placing him fifth on the all-time list of opening day numbers on Spotify Nigeria.
‘Ikigai’ is a testament to Olamide’s innovative spirit and his ability to continue pushing boundaries in the music industry.
