Wizkid and Drake Hit 598.6K Units in the UK as "Come Closer" Nears Platinum Status

Wizkid’s "Come Closer" Nears Platinum Milestone in the United Kingdom

This imminent Platinum milestone highlights the cultural impact of the Wizkid and Drake partnership, a foundational moment that successfully integrated Afrobeats into the UK mainstream and paved the way for future global crossovers.

Wizkid and Drake Near Major UK Breakthrough with "Come Closer" Sales Surge

Wizkid and Drake’s Global Hit "Come Closer" Set for Official UK Platinum Certification

The global influence of Afrobeats continues to solidify its presence in the British music market as Wizkid’s 2017 hit single, "Come Closer," featuring Canadian superstar Drake, edges toward a major industry milestone. Latest consumption data indicates the track has moved approximately 598,600 units in the United Kingdom, placing it within striking distance of the prestigious Platinum certification.

Under the criteria set by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), a single must achieve 600,000 certified units to be awarded Platinum status. Currently sitting at a Gold certification which it officially received on April 16, 2021 the record requires fewer than 1,400 additional units to cross the finish line. This trajectory underscores the remarkable "long tail" of the song’s popularity, maintaining consistent streaming numbers nearly a decade after its initial release.

"Come Closer" served as a pivotal moment for the internationalization of the Afrobeats genre. While the collaboration marked the third time Wizkid and Drake appeared on a track together following the "Ojuelegba" remix and the record-breaking "One Dance" it was this specific release that cemented Wizkid’s ability to command a global audience as a lead artist. The track’s fusion of dancehall rhythms and smooth Yoruba-infused lyrics created a blueprint for the "Afropop" sound that dominates UK airwaves today.

The impending Platinum certification is more than just a numerical achievement; it is a testament to the UK’s role as a primary hub for African music outside of the continent. The British market has historically been an early adopter of the genre, fueled by a vibrant diaspora and a club culture that embraced Wizkid’s "Starboy" sound early in his career. Once "Come Closer" hits the 600,000-unit mark, it will join an elite group of African-led records to reach such heights in the region.

In the UK, the certification process relies on a combination of physical sales, digital downloads, and weighted audio streams. As streaming platforms remain the primary driver for the single’s growth, the final push to Platinum is expected to happen imminently. Industry analysts note that the song's inclusion in several high-profile "throwback" and "Summer Vibes" playlists continues to provide the steady momentum needed to close the 1,400-unit gap.

This milestone comes at a time when Wizkid’s catalog is seeing a resurgence in global interest, following the massive success of his Made in Lagos era and subsequent releases. The enduring success of "Come Closer" highlights the difference between a fleeting viral hit and a "modern classic." While contemporary tracks often flare up and fade, Wizkid’s discography shows a unique level of "stickiness" that translates into long-term commercial value for his label and partners.

As the BPI prepares its upcoming certifications, the music industry and fans alike are watching the charts closely. If the current rate of consumption holds, "Come Closer" is projected to officially flip to Platinum before the next quarter concludes, further establishing Wizkid as one of the most commercially successful African artists in British history.