On Wednesday, February 2nd, 2023, the news of Fireboy getting his first RIAA platinum plaque for his hit single Peru spread like wildfire. Fireboy, the Nigerian superstar signed to YBNL records, made history when his single sold over one million units in the United States.
This is the first RIAA platinum plaque awarded to a Nigerian lead artist is a sign of Afrobeats growing global popularity.
The single Peru was released on July 21st, 2021, and it took the Nigerian music scene by storm. With its sweet melodies and relatable lyrics, it quickly became a chart-topper and favorite of the Nigerian public. It’s success was not limited to Nigeria, however, and soon its popularity spread beyond the borders of the nation.
It wasn’t long before Peru made it to the United States, where it caught on among American audiences. This led to the single being certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It’s popularity only grew, however, and by the end of 2021 Peru had sold over one million units, leading to it being certified Double Platinum by the RIAA. This award is a testament to both the hard work of Fireboy’s team and the growing popularity of Afrobeats around the world.
Fireboy joins the likes of Davido, CKay, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Rema as Nigerian lead artists with RIAA platinum plaques. With this achievement, Fireboy solidifies himself as a major player in the music industry and establishes himself as a star of Nigerian music.
Fireboy’s RIAA platinum plaque for Peru is an example of the incredible success African music is having in the United States. While it is still early days for Afrobeats in the US, Peru serves as a success story for the genre and a reminder that African music needs to be given the attention it deserves.
