Top 25 Afrobeats Hits in the U.S: Platinum & Gold Certifications

Afrobeats used to be a regional rhythm, but not anymore. It’s now reshaping dance floors, playlists, and music charts across continents thanks to numerous trailblazing tunes. Some of these sounds began as niche songs; now they command mainstream attention and RIAA certifications.

Here is a list of the top 25 Afrobeats U.S breakout hits of all time. Not only did these songs storm the American charts, but they also certified Afrobeats as a global movement. If you’re yet to listen to or download any of these songs, you have no idea what you’ve missed and are still missing.

We’ve done you a big favor by categorizing these songs for you. This way, you can listen to or download by preference.

Multiple Platinum-Certified Afrobeat U.S. Hits

1. CKay – “Love Nwantiti” (8× Platinum)

Topping the list is CKay’s 2019 hit “Love Nwantiti.” It remains the highest-certified Afrobeats song in U.S. history, reaching 8× Platinum in 2023. Its TikTok explosion, coupled with multiple remixes featuring Joeboy, Kuami Eugene, and DJ Yo!, turned it into an anthem of modern Afrobeats. The song’s minimalist beat and heartfelt lyrics connected universally, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Global 200 and establishing CKay as a global superstar.

2. Rema – “Calm Down” ft. Selena Gomez (5× Platinum)

Released in 2022, “Calm Down” by Rema redefined the genre’s crossover potential. The remix featuring Selena Gomez propelled it to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for over a year. Certified 5× Platinum in the U.S., it also broke the record for the longest-charting African song in American history. Rema’s infectious melody and Gomez’s soft vocals built a cultural bridge that solidified Afrobeats’ dominance.

3. Wizkid – “Essence” ft. Tems & Justin Bieber (5× Platinum)

Wizkid’s 2020 classic “Essence” was already a worldwide hit before Justin Bieber jumped on the remix. The song became the first Nigerian track to enter the Billboard Hot 100’s Top 10, reaching No. 9. Certified 5× Platinum in 2023, “Essence” highlighted the sensual side of Afrobeats, while Tems’ soulful chorus and Bieber’s verse expanded its audience to mainstream pop listeners.

Platinum-Certified Afrobeat U.S. Hits

4. Tems – “Free Mind”

Tems’ soulful single “Free Mind” resonated with global audiences craving emotional depth. The 2020 track gained traction on U.S. urban radio in 2022, topping Billboard’s Afrobeats chart for 21 consecutive weeks. It was certified Platinum on October 4, 2023, proving that Tems could dominate both collaborations and solo records through her ethereal voice and relatable storytelling.

5. Davido – “Fall”

Davido’s “Fall”, released in 2017, became a defining moment for Afrobeats’ entry into America. In 2020, it earned Platinum certification, becoming the first Nigerian solo single to do so. The song charted on U.S. urban radio and was added to several high-profile playlists. Its smooth production by Kiddominant and romantic lyricism made it an enduring favorite, marking Davido’s international breakthrough.

6. Burna Boy – “Ye”

“Ye”, released in 2018, was Burna Boy’s accidental breakout in the U.S. when Kanye West dropped his album Ye, driving traffic to Burna’s song. Its socially conscious lyrics and addictive rhythm pushed it to Platinum status in January 2023. “Ye” also became Burna’s signature performance track, blending Afro-fusion with unapologetic African pride.

7. Fireboy DML – “Peru” ft. Ed Sheeran

Originally released in 2021, “Peru” gained momentum after Ed Sheeran joined the remix. The collaboration landed Fireboy on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Platinum certification in February 2023. The song’s catchy hook “Peru para”became a global chant, bridging Nigerian street pop with Western radio formats.

8. Burna Boy – “Last Last”

Burna Boy’s 2022 heartbreak anthem “Last Last” resonated globally for its emotional honesty. Sampling Toni Braxton’s “He Wasn’t Man Enough,” it reached the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Platinum certification in January 2023. The track showed Burna’s mastery of blending vulnerability with Afro-fusion’s bounce, making it a summer anthem.

9. Wizkid – “Come Closer” ft. Drake

Released in 2017, “Come Closer” paired Wizkid’s smooth delivery with Drake’s global appeal. It was certified Platinum in May 2023, becoming one of the earliest collaborations that positioned Afrobeats within U.S. pop culture. Its sleek production and cross-continental chemistry forecasted the genre’s global wave.

Gold-Certified Afrobeat U.S. Hits

10. Tems – “Higher”

Tems’ “Higher,” from her For Broken Ears EP, achieved Platinum certification in October 2023. Its dreamy production and confessional lyrics connected deeply with listeners. The track gained additional traction after Drake sampled it on “Fountains,” amplifying her visibility and solidifying her influence as Afrobeats’ leading female voice.

11. Davido – “If”

Davido’s “If”, produced by Tekno in 2017, was certified Gold by the RIAA in February 2021. It became the first Nigerian Afrobeats song to receive the honor. The song marked the beginning of his global ascent, preceding “Fall.” It’s laid-back rhythm and catchy hook, such as “If I tell you say I love you,” which remains a cultural staple at African events worldwide.

12. Burna Boy – “On The Low”

Released in 2018, “On The Low” became an international sleeper hit. It earned Gold certification in April 2022 after continuous U.S. airplay. The sultry melody and Burna’s effortless delivery made it a romantic anthem for Afrobeats fans globally.

13. Ayo Jay – “Your Number”

Ayo Jay’s 2013 hit “Your Number” predates many current Afrobeats successes. Its remix featuring Fetty Wap and Chris Brown helped it chart on Billboard’s Rhythmic chart, earning Gold status on February 28, 2017. It stands as one of the earliest songs to introduce the modern Afrobeats sound to American audiences.

14. Korede Bello – “Do Like That”

Produced by Altims, “Do Like That” was certified Gold on September 20, 2021, six years after its release. Its infectious groove made it a staple at Afro-centric parties worldwide. The track’s delayed success in the U.S. highlighted how Afrobeats often gains longevity through streaming platforms.

15. Wizkid – “Mood” ft. Buju (BNXN)

“Mood”, from Wizkid’s Made in Lagos (Deluxe) album, achieved Gold certification in May 2024. Featuring BNXN (Buju), it blends mellow rhythms with sensual undertones. The record’s success reflected the post-“Essence” momentum that kept Wizkid dominant on global charts.

16. Wizkid & Starboy Crew – “Soco”

Released in 2018, “Soco” brought together Wizkid, Terri, Spotless, and Ceeza Milli. It earned Gold certification in September 2024. Its vibrant beat and group energy made it a fan favorite, symbolizing Starboy Entertainment’s unity and influence.

17. Oxlade – “Ku Lo Sa”

Oxlade’s COLORS Studio performance of “Ku Lo Sa” turned into a viral sensation in 2022. Certified Gold in October 2024, the track combined vocal mastery with minimalist production. The performance’s intimacy showcased the power of Afrobeats stripped to its emotional core.

18. Davido – “Unavailable” ft. Musa Keys

Davido’s 2023 hit “Unavailable,” featuring South African artist Musa Keys, became a dance-floor phenomenon. The song earned Gold certification in September 2024, fueled by TikTok challenges and heavy radio rotation. Its fusion of Afrobeats and Amapiano cemented Davido’s versatility.

19. Wizkid – “Joro”

“Joro”, released in 2019, achieved Gold certification in November 2024. Its lush instrumentation and hypnotic rhythm gave it enduring replay value. The song’s gradual growth on digital platforms reflected Wizkid’s ability to create timeless records.

20. Wizkid – “Ginger” ft. Burna Boy

When Wizkid and Burna Boy joined forces on “Ginger”, fans celebrated one of Afrobeats’ most anticipated collaborations. Certified Gold in November 2024, the track’s energetic chemistry and layered production resonated with both artists’ fanbases globally.

21. Pheelz – “Finesse” ft. BNXN

Pheelz transitioned from producer to artist with “Finesse,” a viral hit that birthed the phrase “If I broke na my business.” Released in February 2025, it was certified Gold in 2023 after topping Apple Music charts across multiple countries.

22. Tems – “Me & U”

Tems’ 2023 single “Me & U” earned Gold certification in May 2025. The track’s self-reflective theme and cinematic video resonated deeply with listeners, proving her strength as both songwriter and performer.

23. Tems – “Found” ft. Brent Faiyaz

“Found,” a collaboration between Tems and Brent Faiyaz, merged Afrobeats and R&B in perfect balance. Certified Gold in February 2025, it bridged both artists’ audiences, marking another transatlantic win for Afrobeats.

24. Davido – “Blow My Mind” ft. Chris Brown

Released in 2019, “Blow My Mind” paired Davido with Chris Brown for a bold cross-cultural collaboration. Certified Gold in July 2025, the song charted on Billboard’s R&B chart and helped Davido expand his U.S. reach, highlighting the power of Afro-American partnerships.

25. Omah Lay – “Soso”

“Soso,” from Omah Lay’s 2022 album Boy Alone, earned Gold certification in September 2025. Its melancholic tone and haunting vocals revealed a deeper emotional side of Afrobeats. The song’s U.S. recognition confirmed Omah Lay’s rising influence as part of the new generation of hitmakers.

Conclusion

While every song on this list symbolises the exceptional evolution of Afrobeats, there is a need to acknowledge how instrumental Wizkid has been to taking the genre global. With 6× Platinum and 4× Gold certifications, regarding him as the ‘King of Afrobeat’ shouldn’t be up for debate.

Artists like Ckay, Rema, Tems, Burna Boy, and Davido, to mention a few, have also collectively showcased how African artists are capable of reshaping the global landscape. Is there more to come? Tell us the artist you think would bag more certifications than Wizkid.

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