FOLA’s debut album Catharsis has reached a major streaming milestone in Nigeria.
The project has now spent 10 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the Nigeria Spotify Albums Chart, making it the longest-running No. 1 album released in 2025 so far.
According to Spotify Nigeria chart data, this achievement places Catharsis in rare company. The last album to record a similarly long stay at the top of the chart was Wizkid’s Morayo, which also logged 10 weeks at No. 1 during its run.
FOLA
Released in 2025, Catharsis has steadily grown from a strong debut into a dominant streaming force. The album’s sustained performance reflects:
Consistent listener retention week after week
Strong word-of-mouth and playlist support
A growing core fanbase driving repeat streams
Rather than debuting and quickly fading, Catharsis has shown unusual staying power, a metric increasingly used to measure true impact in the streaming era.
Spending double digit weeks at No. 1 on Nigeria’s Spotify Albums Chart remains a rare feat, even among top-tier Nigerian artists. By matching the 10-week benchmark previously set by Wizkid’s Morayo, FOLA’s album enters a very short list of projects with that level of dominance.
As 2026 continues, Catharsis currently stands as the most commercially consistent album of the year on Nigerian Spotify.
The 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards have officially announced their nominees, spotlighting the artists and songs that dominated radio airplay, streaming platforms, and fan culture throughout 2025. The awards ceremony is scheduled to hold on March 26, 2026, live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, airing on FOX and iHeartRadio platforms.
This year’s nominations cut across pop, hip-hop, R&B, country, rock, Latin, K-pop, and global music, reflecting the industry’s growing diversity and the power of radio-driven hits. Several chart-topping artists return as multiple nominees, while newer acts secure major career-defining nods.
Below is the full list of nominees for the 2026 iHeartRadio Music Awards.
Major Categories
Song of the Year
“Anxiety” — Doechii
“Good News” — Shaboozey
“Love Somebody” — Morgan Wallen
“luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“Manchild” — Sabrina Carpenter
“MUTT” — Leon Thomas
“Ordinary” — Alex Warren
“Sorry I’m Here For Someone Else” — Benson Boone
“Stargazing” — Myles Smith
“The Fate of Ophelia” — Taylor Swift
Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
Benson Boone
Chris Brown
Jelly Roll
Kendrick Lamar
Lady Gaga
Morgan Wallen
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
Pop, Group & Collaboration Categories
Pop Artist of the Year
Alex Warren
Benson Boone
Sabrina Carpenter
Tate McRae
Taylor Swift
Duo/Group of the Year
HUNTR/X, EJAE, AUDREY NUNA & REI AMI
Linkin Park
Maroon 5
Shinedown
Twenty One Pilots
Best Collaboration
“All The Way” — BigXthaPlug ft. Bailey Zimmerman
“APT.” — ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
“luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“Timeless” — The Weeknd ft. Playboi Carti
“WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” — GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red
Genre Categories
Hip-Hop Artist of the Year
Cardi B
GloRilla
Kendrick Lamar
Playboi Carti
Tyler, The Creator
Hip-Hop Song of the Year
“luther” — Kendrick Lamar & SZA
“NOKIA” — Drake
“Outside” — Cardi B
“The Largest” — BigXthaPlug
“WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME” — GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red
R&B Artist of the Year
Chris Brown
Kehlani
Leon Thomas
Mariah the Scientist
SZA
Country Artist of the Year
Jason Aldean
Jelly Roll
Lainey Wilson
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Rock Artist of the Year
Linkin Park
Papa Roach
Shinedown
Sleep Token
Three Days Grace
Global & International Categories
World Artist of the Year
Ayra Starr
Jackson Wang
JO1
MOLIY
Tyla
Latin Music Categories
Latin Pop/Urban Artist of the Year
Bad Bunny
Feid
J Balvin
Karol G
Shakira
Latin Pop/Urban Song of the Year
“Angel” — Grupo Frontera & Romeo Santos
“DEGENERE” — Myke Towers & benny blanco
“DtMF” — Bad Bunny
“Qué Pasaría…” — Rauw Alejandro & Bad Bunny
“Soltera” — Shakira
K-Pop Categories
K-Pop Artist of the Year
JENNIE
j-hope
Jin
LISA
ROSÉ
K-Pop Group of the Year
ATEEZ
BLACKPINK
ENHYPEN
Stray Kids
TWICE
Fan-Voted & Industry Categories
The 2026 edition also includes fan-voted awards such as Best Lyrics, Best Music Video, Favorite TikTok Dance, Favorite On Screen, and Favorite Broadway Debut, alongside industry honors like Songwriter of the Year and Producer of the Year.
Voting remains open on iHeartRadio platforms ahead of the ceremony.
Joe Keery, best known globally for his role as Steve Harrington on Netflix’s Stranger Things, has reached a major music milestone. The actor turned musician has officially topped the Spotify Global chart with his song “End of Beginning,” displacing a track by pop superstar Taylor Swift from the No. 1 position.
The achievement marks a rare crossover moment where a television actor, performing under a separate music identity, outpaces one of the biggest artists in the world on the most competitive streaming chart.
Joe Keery’s Musical Identity as Djo
While many audiences know him from Stranger Things, Joe Keery has built a parallel career in music under the stage name Djo. His sound leans toward alternative pop and indie rock, drawing influence from synth-heavy production and introspective songwriting.
“End of Beginning” was originally released in 2022 as part of Djo’s album Decide. At the time, it received modest attention, largely within indie music circles. However, the track has since experienced multiple waves of resurgence first through social media virality, and now through renewed cultural relevance, which can be credited to the virality of Stranger Things.
The song’s return to the top of the charts is closely linked to renewed interest in Stranger Things, particularly surrounding recent developments and discussions around the show’s conclusion. As fans revisited Joe Keery’s work, many discovered or rediscovered his music.
Streaming numbers surged rapidly, pushing “End of Beginning” past Taylor Swift’s chart-leading track and securing the No. 1 spot on Spotify’s Global chart, a ranking that reflects listening activity across all countries.
This is not the first time the song has performed strongly. It previously gained traction after going viral online, but this latest run represents its most significant commercial peak to date.
Taylor Swift’s Chart Run Interrupted
Taylor Swift has remained one of Spotify’s most dominant artists, frequently holding the top spot with extended chart runs. Her displacement by “End of Beginning,” even if temporary, highlights the unpredictable nature of streaming culture where moments of pop-culture relevance can dramatically reshape listening habits overnight.
The shift does not signal a decline in Swift’s popularity, but rather underscores how audience attention can pivot quickly when music intersects with film, television, and online trends.
Afrobeats singer, songwriter, and producer Pheelz has officially confirmed that a new EP will be released in March 2026, describing the project as a personal and creative reset.
The announcement was made directly by the artist in a heartfelt message to fans, where he revealed that the upcoming EP represents a period of realignment and renewed purpose in his music journey.
“I have an EP coming in March. I’m so proud of it; it’s a reset and a realignment. I have so much to give out and I’m not going to hold it anymore,” Pheelz wrote.
According to the statement, the project will form part of Pheelz’s broader plans for 2026, a year he says will focus on deeper connection with his audience and more intentional music releases. The producer turned-artist also emphasized his desire to share music and content that fans have not experienced from him before.
Beyond the EP, Pheelz hinted at a more direct relationship with listeners through exclusive drops, content, and fan engagement initiatives, referring to his growing community as a “Tribe.”
“All I’ve ever wanted is an audience to experience music in the way I see it… I want to connect more with you, give you music that you haven’t heard, content you haven’t seen.”
While details such as the EP’s title, tracklist, and featured acts remain undisclosed, the March 2026 timeline is now officially confirmed by the artist himself.
More information is expected to be revealed as the release date draws closer.
Rema has officially made history on the U.S. Billboard charts.
The Nigerian superstar’s debut album, Rave & Roses, has become the longest-charting African project on the Billboard World Albums Chart, spending 165 weeks on the ranking. The milestone sees Rema surpass Wizkid’s Made In Lagos, which previously held the record at 164 weeks.
The achievement further cements Rave & Roses as one of the most impactful African albums of the modern streaming era.
Released in March 2022, Rave & Roses has shown remarkable longevity on the Billboard World Albums Chart, an indicator of sustained international demand rather than short-term hype.
Crossing the 165-week mark means the album has remained relevant for over three years, a rare feat for any project, let alone a debut album from an African artist.
The record-breaking run reflects not just initial success, but consistent streaming, catalog growth, and global listener retention.
Before now, Wizkid’s Made In Lagos was the benchmark for African albums on the chart. Widely regarded as a defining Afrobeats project, the album spent 164 weeks on the Billboard World Albums Chart and played a major role in pushing the genre into mainstream global consciousness.
Rema overtaking that record highlights a generational shift where younger Afrobeats stars are building on the foundation laid by earlier global breakthroughs.
Much of the album’s longevity can be traced to its international appeal. Songs like “Calm Down”, which later gained even more momentum with a remix featuring Selena Gomez, helped push the project far beyond African borders.
The album blends Afrobeats, pop, trap, and alternative influences, making it accessible to diverse audiences while still rooted in African sound and identity.
Its success also reflects how streaming platforms have changed music consumption, allowing albums to grow steadily over time rather than peak and disappear.
Nigerian music fans are celebrating an early chart-topping hit this year as Shoday & FOLA’s collaborative single “Paparazzi” debuted at #1 on the Spotify Nigeria Top Songs Chart, racking up 333,986 streams on its first day. This is an exciting milestone in a music market that continues to grow its digital footprint.
“Paparazzi”, released on January 2, 2026, is an Afrobeats-driven track blending catchy melodies with danceable rhythms.
Debuting at the top of Spotify Nigeria’s daily chart with over 333,000 streams places “Paparazzi” among the fastest-rising new songs in the country’s current music scene. For context, high-impact Nigerian releases often push hundreds of thousands of streams within the first 24 hours, signaling strong fan engagement and playlist support across the streaming platform.
Shoday is one of Nigerian music’s most exciting breakout artists of the past few years. Born Shodade Solomon Segun in Ogun State and raised in Lagos, he first gained attention with early hits like “Dey 4 You” and “Caution”, the latter earning a high-profile remix with Skiibii and placing him in the spotlight on streaming platforms.
Over time, Shoday has built a reputation for blending Afrobeats with R&B and pop, creating smooth yet energetic tracks that connect deeply with listeners. He has been featured on playlists like Apple Music’s Up Next and delivered memorable performances at major live events, helping him amass millions of streams and a growing fan base.
FOLA (Folarin Odunlami) is another rising force in the Nigerian music scene, known for his soulful pop-soul fusion and emotive songwriting. Since his debut singles in 2022, FOLA has steadily grown his profile through a string of successful releases and high-impact collaborations with artists like Kizz Daniel, BNXN, and Bella Shmurda.
In 2024, he released his EP What A Feeling, which showcased his thoughtful lyricism and melodic versatility. By 2025, FOLA continued to make waves with charting songs and features that reached Billboard U.S. Afrobeats charts and the TurnTable Top 100 in Nigeria, marking him as one of Afrobeats’ definitive breakout stars of the moment.
Together, Shoday and FOLA represent the new generation of Nigerian artists shaping Afrobeats with fresh sounds, strong streaming numbers, and growing global recognition making their collaboration “Paparazzi” a cultural moment for the local music scene.
The Nigerian superstar’s project, Lungu Boy, has officially surpassed 350 million streams on Audiomack, marking another major milestone in his fast-rising career.
This achievement makes Lungu Boy Asake’s second project to cross the 350 million streams mark on the platform, further reinforcing his strong connection with Audiomack’s core audience across Africa and the diaspora.
Since his breakout, Asake has remained one of the most-streamed Nigerian artists on Audiomack, a platform known for amplifying Afrobeats and street-pop sounds. His projects have consistently pulled massive numbers, driven by replay value, viral hits, and a loyal fan base.
Lungu Boy joins an exclusive group of highly streamed African projects on Audiomack, highlighting Asake’s ability to sustain momentum beyond singles and deliver full bodies of work that resonate deeply with listeners.
Crossing 350 million streams on Audiomack is not just a number, it reflects Asake’s staying power in a highly competitive era of Nigerian music. With multiple records already broken and more milestones likely ahead, the singer continues to position himself as one of Afrobeats’ most reliable hitmakers.
As streaming numbers keep climbing across platforms, Lungu Boy stands as another reminder of Asake’s impact and consistency in the global Afrobeats movement.
For over 60 years, the Billboard Hot 100 has stood as the most important measure of commercial success in popular music. It reflects what people are listening to, buying, streaming, and requesting on radio at any given moment.
Reaching No. 1 on the chart is a major achievement. But doing it repeatedly and dominating an entire decade is something only a handful of artists have managed.
From the cultural earthquake caused by The Beatles in the 1960s to Taylor Swift’s streaming-era dominance in the 2020s, each decade has produced one artist who stood above the rest.
This article breaks down the artists with the most Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits in each decade, explains why they dominated, and shows how each era of music evolved through them.
Before diving into the decade-by-decade breakdown, it is important to understand why the Hot 100 still holds weight.
The Billboard Hot 100 combines:
Radio airplay
Physical sales
Digital downloads
Streaming data
While the formula has changed over time, its purpose has remained the same: to measure mainstream popularity in the United States.
1960s: The Beatles (18 No. 1 Hits)
No artist has ever dominated a decade the way The Beatles dominated the 1960s.
Between 1962 and 1969, the band recorded 18 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles, a record that remains unmatched for any single decade.
Their rise coincided with the British Invasion, a moment that completely reshaped American pop music. Before The Beatles, the charts were largely controlled by solo acts and traditional pop singers. After them, bands became the new standard.
Formed in Liverpool, England, The Beatles are widely regarded as the most influential band in music history. Consisting of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, the group transformed pop music into a serious artistic force.
Their influence went beyond chart success, shaping songwriting, album structure, fashion, and youth culture.
The Beatles Era was Marked by:
Constant releases with strong songwriting
Global appeal beyond the U.S.
A devoted fan base that drove massive sales
Songs that crossed pop, rock, and experimental sounds
Hits like “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Hey Jude,” and “Let It Be” were not just popular; they became cultural moments.
By the end of the decade, The Beatles were no longer just chart leaders. They were the most influential music act in history.
1970s: Bee Gees (9 No. 1 Hits)
The 1970s belonged to the Bee Gees, who earned nine Hot 100 No. 1 singles during the decade.
While they had success earlier, their dominance peaked in the late 1970s, during the disco explosion.
The Bee Gees, made up of brothers Barry, Robin, and Maurice Gibb, were known for their distinctive harmonies and falsetto vocals. While they explored several genres early in their career, they became global icons during the disco era.
Their songwriting success extended beyond their own performances, as they also wrote hit songs for other major artists, making them one of the most successful songwriting groups of all time.
The Disco Era Effect
The Bee Gees became the face of disco thanks to:
Their falsetto-driven sound
Danceable rhythms
Major contributions to the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack
Songs like “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” and “How Deep Is Your Love” ruled radio, clubs, and charts simultaneously.
For a period, it was nearly impossible to escape the Bee Gees.
1980s: Michael Jackson (9 No. 1 Hits)
The 1980s introduced a level of global superstardom the music industry had never seen before, and Michael Jackson was at the center of it.
He recorded nine Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits during the decade, driven by the historic success of Thriller and Bad.
Often referred to as the King of Pop, Michael Jackson began his career as a child star with The Jackson 5 before becoming the most recognizable solo artist in the world.
His influence spans music, dance, fashion, and visual storytelling. Jackson set records that still stand today and helped turn pop music into a global, multimedia experience.
More Than Just Music
Michael Jackson’s dominance went beyond songs.
He:
Transformed music videos into major events
Broke racial barriers on MTV
Set new standards for album sales and promotion
Songs like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Black or White” topped the charts while their visuals changed how music was consumed.
In the 1980s, being No. 1 did not just mean popularity. It meant global visibility, and no one commanded that better than Michael Jackson.
1990s: Mariah Carey (14 No. 1 Hits)
If one decade truly belonged to a single voice, it was the 1990s and that voice was Mariah Carey.
She recorded an astonishing 14 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles during the decade, the highest total of any artist in the 1990s.
Mariah Carey is celebrated for her extraordinary vocal range and technical ability. She emerged in the early 1990s and quickly became one of the most successful female artists in chart history.
Beyond her vocal talent, Carey is also a songwriter and producer, playing a direct role in shaping many of her biggest hits. Her longevity and consistent chart success make her one of pop music’s most enduring figures.
Consistency at the Top
Mariah Carey’s success was built on:
Exceptional vocal ability
Strong pop songwriting
Smooth R&B influence
Seasonal hits that returned every year
From “Vision of Love” to “Fantasy” and “One Sweet Day,” she remained a constant presence on the charts.
Unlike many artists who peak briefly, Mariah Carey dominated year after year, making her the most successful singles artist of the 1990s.
2000s: Usher (7 No. 1 Hits)
The 2000s marked a transition period for music, with digital downloads reshaping the industry. During this era, Usher emerged as the decade’s biggest Hot 100 performer.
He recorded seven No. 1 singles, more than any other artist in the 2000s.
Usher is one of the most influential R&B artists of the modern era. Rising to prominence in the late 1990s, he became a dominant force in the 2000s through smooth vocals, dance-driven records, and crossover appeal.
He also played a key role in mentoring and launching other successful artists, helping shape the sound of contemporary R&B and pop.
The Confessions Era
Usher’s dominance was powered by:
Massive radio support
Dance-driven R&B records
A run of back to back chart topping singles
His album Confessions produced multiple No. 1 hits, some of which stayed at the top for weeks.
In a decade where competition was fierce, Usher stood out as the defining male R&B star of the era.
2010s: Rihanna (9 No. 1 Hits)
The 2010s were shaped by rapid shifts in sound, platforms, and collaborations. No artist adapted better than Rihanna.
She recorded nine Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits during the decade, the highest total of any artist in the 2010s.
Born in Barbados, Rihanna rose to global fame through a steady evolution of sound and image. Rather than staying in one musical lane, she constantly reinvented herself, allowing her to remain relevant across changing trends.
Beyond music, Rihanna has expanded her influence into fashion and beauty, becoming one of the most successful artist-entrepreneurs of her generation.
Reinvention as a Strategy
Rihanna’s strength was versatility.
She moved effortlessly between:
Pop
Dance
R&B
Hip-hop collaborations
Rather than sticking to one formula, she followed the sound of the moment and often helped create it.
This flexibility allowed her to remain chart-relevant throughout the entire decade, even as trends changed.
2020s: Taylor Swift (8 No. 1 Hits So Far)
The 2020s are still unfolding, but one artist already leads the decade: Taylor Swift.
She currently holds eight Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 singles in the 2020s, more than any other artist so far.
Taylor Swift began her career as a country singer before transitioning into pop and later experimenting with alternative and folk-inspired sounds. Her ability to connect deeply with listeners through storytelling has been central to her success.
In the modern streaming era, Swift has redefined album rollouts, fan engagement, and chart performance, making her one of the most powerful figures in today’s music industry.
The Streaming and Fan Era
Taylor Swift’s dominance reflects a new music reality:
Streaming-driven charts
Album-focused rollouts
Extremely engaged fan communities
Her ability to generate massive first-week numbers and chart debuts has reshaped how success is measured in the modern era.
As the decade continues, her total may grow, but even now, she stands as the defining chart force of the 2020s.
Burna Boy has officially closed out 2025 as the most streamed African artist on Spotify, setting a new benchmark with an astonishing 1.986 billion streams. This achievement marks the biggest streaming year ever recorded by an African act, highlighting not only his dominance in Afrobeat but also the growing global appetite for African music.
Known as the “African Giant,” Burna Boy has consistently pushed the boundaries of African music on the global stage. From his early hits like Ye to his latest releases, his catalog has captured audiences worldwide, blending traditional Afrobeat rhythms with contemporary sounds that appeal to both African and international listeners.
Spotify data indicates that listeners across Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia played a significant role in this historic milestone. Songs from his 2025 releases, alongside timeless hits from previous albums, contributed heavily to this record-breaking performance.
This milestone also reflects a broader trend: African music has become a major force in the global music industry. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, and Apple Music have made it easier for African artists to reach millions of listeners worldwide, and Burna Boy has consistently led this movement as a part of the big 3.
For Burna Boy, 2025 was more than just streaming numbers. It was a year of tours, global collaborations, and cultural influence that solidified his status as one of the most important voices in modern music. Fans can expect 2026 to be another exciting chapter as Burna Boy continues to innovate and push African music further into the global spotlight.
As the year closes, Burna Boy’s record-breaking Spotify streams stand as a historic moment for African music, inspiring a new generation of artists and proving that the world is ready to listen.
Davido’s fifth studio album 5ive, released on April 18, 2025, closed out the year as one of the most streamed Nigerian projects on Spotify in 2025.
While official Spotify Wrapped data places Morayo by Wizkid as the #1 most-streamed album in Nigeria for the year, 5ive consistently remained in the top tier of streaming performance across the platform throughout 2025; driven by massive numbers for both the album and its standout tracks.
The album’s popularity was fuelled by hits such as “With You” (feat. Omah Lay), one of the year’s most shared and replayed songs which alone crossed tens of millions of Spotify streams and helped 5ive rack up a major cumulative streaming total.
Here’s the official track list for Davido’s 5ive (17‑track album released April 18, 2025):
