AYV News, November 28, 2024
Sierra Leonean music has reached another milestone, thanks to Drizilik, Freetown’s celebrated Kriofusion and Afrobeats artist.
Drizilik has become the most streamed home-based artist on Audiomack, amassing over 10 million streams and boasting 73,000 monthly listeners. This achievement cements his role as a trailblazer in taking Sierra Leonean music to an international audience.
Drizilik’s meteoric rise is marked by several milestones. In March 2022, he became the first Sierra Leonean artist to hit two million streams on Audiomack, a platform he joined in 2018. Remarkably, while it took four years to reach that first milestone, he has now quintupled that figure in just two years, showcasing exponential growth.
This success follows a string of major performances, including two sold-out concerts in London earlier this month and Washington, DC, in July. Drizilik’s catalog reflects his deep connection to Krio culture, blending goombay rhythms, West African sounds, and global influences.
Among his top hits on Audiomack, the 2024 release “Send Money” has garnered 751,685 plays, while earlier tracks like “Exodus” (775,684 plays) and “Finesse” (758,792 plays) continue to resonate with fans.
Classic favorites such as “Waste Time” (215,000 plays) and “Tell” (196,000 plays) remain crowd-pleasers, demonstrating his ability to balance new releases with timeless hits. Notably, his collaborations with global stars, including Idris Elba on “Vote” and “Ashobi,” as well as BAFTA winner Big Zuu on “Move Right,” have further elevated his international profile.
Drizilik has also graced prestigious stages, including YouTube’s Africa Day Concert, the Madeng Festival, the Gambia Music Festival, and the Freedom Festival in Hull, UK, bringing Sierra Leonean music to global audiences.
Audiomack’s Role in Elevating Sierra Leonean Music Audiomack, a freemium platform that allows free access to music, has become a vital tool for Sierra Leonean artists. Its ad-based model enables users in Sierra Leone to stream without subscriptions, broadening access and helping artists grow loyal fan bases.
Artists also benefit financially, as increased streams translate into royalties. Drizilik’s achievements highlight Audiomack’s potential to amplify local talent and provide a global stage for Sierra Leonean music.
Other Sierra Leonean artists have also thrived on Audiomack, including The Therapist (6.4 million streams), Boii (5.1 million), Kao Denero (4.3 million), and Emmerson (2.9 million). Together, they are showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Sierra Leone’s music scene to the world.
Drizilik’s journey is a testament to the power of cultural authenticity and perseverance, proving that Sierra Leonean music is ready to take its place on the global stage.
