The global rise of Afrobeats and African music continues to make waves, with a growing number of African artists achieving major milestones on the global stage. Among these remarkable achievements is the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold certification, which celebrates albums that sell 500,000 units in the United States.
As of now, three African artists have joined this elite list, marking their indelible impact on the U.S. music market:
- Wizkid – Made in Lagos
Wizkid’s groundbreaking album Made in Lagos became a cultural and global phenomenon, led by the international hit “Essence” featuring Tems. The project brought Afrobeats into mainstream consciousness in the U.S. and earned a Gold certification, reinforcing Wizkid’s influence as a pioneer of the genre. - Rema – Rave & Roses
Rema’s debut album Rave & Roses solidified his status as a Gen Z sensation with tracks like “Calm Down”, which became an international hit. The album’s Gold certification is a testament to Rema’s ability to connect with audiences worldwide, showcasing the next generation of African talent. - Tyla – Tyla
South African star Tyla recently joined this prestigious group with her self-titled debut album. Propelled by the viral success of “Water”, Tyla’s album has quickly amassed streams and sales, earning her recognition as one of the fastest-rising stars from the continent.
African artistes with albums certified GOLD in the US
— TXT (@txt_mag) December 9, 2024
– Wizkid – Made in Lagos
– Rema – Rave & Roses
– Tyla – Tyla pic.twitter.com/NClNEZ2uW3
This remarkable achievement not only highlights the growing global appetite for African music but also underscores the artists’ ability to produce timeless music that resonates across cultures. As African music continues to break barriers, these milestones serve as a reminder of the genre’s extraordinary potential to dominate the world stage.
Fans eagerly anticipate what these trailblazing artists—and many others—will accomplish in the years to come.
