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CKay makes new history in African record on Spotify with ‘CKay the First.’
Nigerian singer-songwriter Chukwuka Ekweani, better known as Ckay, has made history with “CKay the First” by setting a new African Spotify record.
The second extended playlist by multi-platinum-selling musician CKay, titled “CKay the First,” has amassed the most number of streams of any African performer in Spotify history.
The project, which debuted on August 30, 2019, has had more than 661 million Spotify streams, topping Burna Boy’s “African Giant,” which had 660.9 million.
JUST IN: @ckay_yo’s “CKay the First” officially becomes the highest streamed project by an African act in Spotify history. (661M+) 👏🏽💜 pic.twitter.com/Nffn3Y9BXP
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) February 20, 2023
The bodywork was self-produced by CKay, with additional production from Tempoe, Real Btee, and featured guest appearances from DJ Lambo, BOJ, Blaqbonez, and Barry Jhay.
The multi-award-winning Nigerian singer has achieved several global chart-topping singles and has been breaking records. It is noteworthy that CKay became the first African artist to exceed one billion Spotify streams.
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He also shut down the CHAN Finals with over 40,000 fans singing hit single, ‘Love Nwantiti’, off the project.
In Canada, the song has achieved 3x Platinum certification after selling over 240,000 copies. It is certified Gold in Denmark after selling over 45,000 units. It is certified Platinum in Poland after selling over 50,000 units.
After selling over 20,000 units, it has earned Spain’s Gold certification. Also, it has earned the Platinum certification in the United States after selling over 1,000,000 copies, Platinum in the United Kingdom after selling over 600,000 units, and Platinum in Italy after selling over 70,000 units.
In addition to receiving several certifications throughout the globe, “Love Nwantiti” became CKay the first African artist to exceed 30 million monthly Spotify listeners, a record that was later reinforced by “Emiliana,” another international mega song.
The singer, producer, and songwriter’s international popularity culminated with the release of his debut album, “Sad Romance,” and he has since won several accolades and gained widespread brand sponsorships.