Shazam turns 20 today, and as of this week, it has officially surpassed 70 billion song recognitions.

A mainstay in popular culture, the platform has changed the way people engage with music by making song identification accessible to everyone. For more than 225 million global monthly users, to “Shazam” is to discover something new.

To mark the occasion, Shazam invites fans to take a trip down memory lane with a special playlist comprised of the most Shazamed song of each calendar year for the past 20 years.

Featuring everything from Train’s “Hey, Soul Sister” to Sia’s “Cheap Thrills,” the playlist is a true reflection of the music fans across the globe actively searched for over the past two decades.

Listen now exclusively on Apple Music.

Over the years, Shazam’s global charts have played a crucial role in helping to identify breaking new talent like Masked Wolf, who was one of Shazam’s 5 Artists to Watch in 2021 and ended up having the most Shazamed track globally that year with “Astronaut In The Ocean.”

“The fact that people all over the world took time out of their day to pull out their phone and Shazam my songs is a huge honor for me as an artist,” said Masked Wolf. “You know you’ve got something special if you see the Shazam stats moving.”

Shazam’s charts have also become a barometer for unexpected pop culture moments.

Kate Bush’s 1985 song “Running Up That Hill” being featured in “Stranger Things” led to an all-time peak in Shazams of the singer, and the track took No. 1 on the Shazam Global Top 200 for 10 days.

It ended up reaching the top of 25 national charts — more than any other song in 2022.

Keeping its finger on the pulse of music, Shazam has also played a key role in bringing local artists to a global audience.

The longest-running global No. 1 song of 2021 was “Love Nwantiti [Remix]” by Nigerian artist CKay, which became the second song to ever surpass one million Shazams in a week.

“Shazam has played an impactful role in my career,” said CKay. “It allowed millions of people all over the world to discover me and my unique Nigerian sound. It made me a global sensation even before I started to perform all over the world. The story of CKay cannot be told without Shazam connecting me to the world.” 

With its continued commitment to innovation over the past two decades, Shazam is pioneering new ways to bring fans closer to the music and artists they love with new tools like the concert discovery feature, which spotlights concert information and tickets on sale for shows nearby, simply by Shazaming a song, or by searching for it in the Shazam app or website.

While Shazam remains focused on the future of music discovery, today’s anniversary offers an opportunity to look back at the notable moments and milestones that make up its two-decade history.

Important Dates

• August 2002: Shazam launches as a text message service based in the UK. At the time, users could identify songs by dialing “2580” on their phone and holding it up as a song played. They were then sent an SMS message telling them the song title and the name of the artist.

• July 2008: Shazam launches on the brand-new App Store. Shazam later launched its Android version in October 2008.

• April 2015: Shazam becomes available on the first Apple Watch.

• September 2018: Shazam joins the Apple family.

• June 2021: Shazam surpasses 1 billion Shazams per month.

• May 2022: Shazam surpasses 2 billion lifetime installs.

• August 2022: Shazam celebrates 20 years of music discovery and hits 70 billion all-time Shazams.

 Notable Firsts

• First-ever Shazamed song: “Jeepster” by T. Rex (April 19, 2002)¹

• First Shazamed song on the iOS app: “How Am I Different” by Aimee Mann (July 10, 2008)

• First track to reach 1,000 Shazams: “Cleanin’ Out My Closet” by Eminem (September 2002)

• First track to reach one million Shazams: “TiK ToK” by Ke$ha (February 2010)

• First track to reach 10 million Shazams: “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye feat. Kimbra (December 2012)

• First track to reach 20 million Shazams: “Prayer In C (Robin Schulz Radio Edit)” by Lilly Wood & The Prick and Robin Schulz (October 2015)

• First artist to hit 1 million Shazams: Lil Wayne (February 2009)

• First artist to hit 10 million Shazams: Lil Wayne (June 2011)

• First artist to hit 100 million Shazams: David Guetta (May 2015)

Fastest Tracks to Accumulate Shazams

• Fastest track to reach 1 million Shazams: “Butter” by BTS (nine days)

• Fastest track to reach 10 million Shazams: “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran (87 days)

• Fastest track to reach 20 million Shazams: “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I (219 days)

Most Shazamed of All Time

• Drake is the most Shazamed artist of all time with over 350 million Shazams across songs the artist has led or featured on. “One Dance” is Drake’s most popular track at over 17 million Shazams.

• “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I is the most Shazamed song ever with over 41 million Shazams.

• “Crazy” by Gnarls Barkley was the most Shazamed song using the “2580” text service.

Top Shazamed Songs by Genre

• Top Hip-Hop/Rap: “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton

• Top Dance: “Prayer In C (Robin Schulz Radio Edit)” by Lilly Wood & The Prick and Robin Schulz

• Top R&B/Soul: “All of Me” by John Legend

• Top Latin: “Mi Gente” by J Balvin and Willy William

• Top Pop: “Let Her Go” by Passenger

• Top Alternative: “Dance Monkey” by Tones And I

• Top Singer/Songwriter: “Take Me to Church” by Hozier

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati has come under sharp criticism from Mombasa County gubernatorial candidates.

Mvita MP Abdulswamad Nassir of ODM and former Mombasa senator Hassan Omar have castigated Chebukati for postponing the Mombasa governor elections.

On Wednesday, Chebukati announced that the governor elections in Mombasa and Kakamega counties together with six other parliamentary elections had been indefinately suspended.

While addressing the media Wednesday evening, Nassir said he will go to court to compel IEBC conduct the elections on Tuesday next week.

"I will go to court to ensure we go to the ballot on Tuesday. We expect an order that the elections will be held on the stipulated date," said Nassir.

He stated that the law was very clear about postponing elections adding that there was no valid reason to postpone the elections.

"Chebukati cannot just wake up one morning and decide to postpone the elections, we wont allow this," Nassir said.

He said that only a security threat, a natural calamity or a breach in how an election should be conducted warrants the postponement of an election as outlined by 2010 constitution.

Nassir further alleged that the initial postponement was purposely orchestrated to have low voter turnout in our Azimio strong holds.

"The elections were illegally postponed. Chebukati is the worst chair of a commission that the country has seen. He needs to be removed from that office," he said.

He added that the decision to postpone the elections will delay service delivery and development in Mombasa.

Omar on the other hand stated that in as much as they understand the pressure IEBC had, they shouldn't continue postponing the elections.

He said that it was draining them both financially, physically and emotionally and creating unnecessary tension and anxiety to the people.

"I am asking Chebukati to be bold enough and announce to us the new date. He was bold enough to announce the presidential results on Monday despite the tension," said Omar.

He said that Chebukati cannot postpone the election to a further notice, without giving out an exact date for the repeat exercise.

"These elections must move on, you can't continue doing this to Mombasa people. The country needs to move on," he said.

He also asked the electoral commission to deploy it's permanent staff to oversee the remaining elections.

Omar cited misconduct and alleged that they were compromised to assist his opponents win.

Former Nyali MP Hezron Awiti also threatened to sue the independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for postponing the Mombasa gubernatorial elections.

Awiti said that he had spent resources preparing for the elections, only for it to be suspended for a second time.

He was addressing the media at a Mombasa hotel as he said that the message caught him by surprise since there was no official communication from IEBC.

Awiti is taking a second shot at the county boss seat on his Vibrant Democratic Party (VDP) ticket.

On Wednesday, IEBC chair Wafula Chebukati announced that the the governor elections in Mombasa and Kakamega counties together with six other parliamentary elections had been indefinately suspended.

Chebukati cited threats and harassment of his officials as reason to postpone the elections for a second time.

Awiti sensed malice on the part of the commission alleging that some officials were in cohort to favour his opponents.

"I am really shocked with what is happening, I thought that the commission was independent," said Awiti.

He said that Chebukati was taking the country the wrong direction.

"We cannot allow one individual to disrupt the elections and be allowed to get away with it. Chebukati has to be serious"

He said that the delay will affect service delivery in the county and also stall the transition committee from carrying out its mandate.

He however reiterated that he was ready for the elections as he appealed to his supporters and Mombasa residents to remain calm.

Famed Rwandan singer Yvan Buravan has died at the age of 27.

The 'Malaika' hitmaker died in India where he had been undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer.

The news of his death was announced by his management on Wednesday.

"“It is with unimaginable sadness that we announce to you the untimely passing of our beloved Yvan Buravan, which occurred tonight in India, where he was undergoing treatment for pancreatic cancer,” reads the statement from his management.

Adding " Yvan Buravan was a genuine soul that radiated happiness to everyone around him. He motivated all of us to love our Country and our Culture,”

The statement added that “his loss will be immensely felt by his family and friends and throughout our industry” and called for solidarity among family, friends and his fan during the period of unspeakable tragedy.

The singer, real name Ivan Burabyo, was airlifted to India on August 4, with a condition which had led to his health deteriorating for weeks. Initial reports and a statement issued by the singer had indicated that his health was improving after being attended to by doctors in India.

Several celebrities have so far come out to mourn the singer.

"Rest in peace brother. Gone too soon" posted Alpha.

On his part Tanzanian singer Ay posted " Rest in peace big hommie Yvan Buravan. I mourn you till I join you. Pumzika kwa amani lil bro, poleni sana family na music industry ya Rwanda"

The United Democtratic Alliance (UDA) party leader was on Monday evening declared the President-elect by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chair, Wafula Chebukati after the August 9 general elections.

The self-styled 'Hustler in Chief' garnered 7,176,141 votes representing 50.49 percent of the final vote, while his main rival  Raila Odinga received 6,942,930 votes this 48.85 percent, as announced by IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati at the Bomas of Kenya national tallying centre.

Following the announcement, social media has lit up with congratulatory messages to the 55-year-old politician. 

Apart from world leaders several celebrities have also come out to congratulate him, among them is Senagalese- American singer, Akon.

“Congratulations to my dear brother William Ruto as he is declared winner of the Presidential election in Kenya.” posted Akon on his social media pages.

On his part Bongo crooner Diamond Platnumz congratulated Kenyans for maintaining peace and completing the election succesful.

“Pongezi sana wana Kenya kwa kuhitimisha zoezi la uchaguzi na kumpata Rais leo. Sasa hivi tena si team Ruto, Wajackoya ama Team Odinga, ni pamoja team Kenya,” he posted on his Insta-stories.

Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga’s ODM has maintained its dominance in Mombasa county.

The party bagged five of the county’s six constituency seats.

Three Mps who were elected on the party’s ticket in 2017were re-elected.

Those elected are Badi Twalib (Jomvu), Omar Mwinyi (Changamwe), Mishi Mboko (Likoni) , Rashid Bedzimba (Kisauni) and Mohammed Machele (Mvita).

UDA's Mohammed Ali retained his Nyali seat.

The orange party also won the Senator seat which was retained by Mohammed Faki and the Woman Represenattive post won by Zamzam Mohammed.

In the county assembly, ODM has won 23 seats, with UDA bagging 5 seats, 1 Indepenent and 1 for wiper party.

The election for the governor seat is set for  23 August, this is after the election was suspended following a mix up in the printing of ballot papers. 

Two ODM parliamentary candidates in Mombasa county have so far emerged winners in the August 9 polls, retaining their seats for the next five years.

Jomvu Mp Badi Twalib who was defending his seat for a third term garnered 13850 votes defending his rival Jubilee' Renson Thoya who got 9407 votes.

United Democratic Alliance party candidate Karisa Nzai got 5,439 votes, while Twalib's brother-in-law Abdulrahim Kajembe (Independent) got 2,960 votes.

In his acceptance speech Twalib extended a hand of friendship to losers in the  polls and invited them to work with him.

"I wish to invite all those who we were in a competition with to come and we work together, I know you have great plans for our people, lets join hands and work for the people" said Twalib.

Adding " To my people, thank you for giving me another chance to be your servant I have nothing to give in you in return but only developement oriented projects, we will complete all the projects that we had started. I understand that some did not vote for me but I promise to serve you all."

The legislator also called on his constituents and Kenyans at large to be patient and wait for the Independent electoral and boundaries commission (IEBC) to make the final announcemnet of the winner of the presidential race.

Twalib Charged " I know you are all eager to know who our next president is, please let us be patient and give time to IEBC, we will soon know our next president and I'm confident it will be Raila Odinga".

Changamwe Mp Omar Mwinyi was also declared the winner on Thursday evening  by the constituency returning officer Charo Kalume after garnering 25,077 votes against his rival Jubilee's Abdi Daib who got 5,789 votes, UDA's Mutuku Malila came third position with 4,119, former Mombasa county government executive committe member (CEC) Munyoki Kyalo came fourth with 4,040 votes.

United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate for Nyali parliamentary seat Mohammed Ali who is also the incumbent Mp managed to retain his seat.

Ali garnered 32,988 against his main rival ODM's Said Abdallah who got 18,642 votes.

Rashid Bedzimba is now the Kisauni Mp elect after garnering 34,747 votes in the just concluded August 9 polls.

Bedzimba,who takes over from Ali Mbogo  made a comeback after five years in the political cold. Bedzimba was the area Mp between 2013-17.

Declaring his win, Kisauni Returning officer Ibrahim Wario thanked the candidates for maintaining peace and being patient with results tallying.

The ODM legislator floored his opponents to emerge victorious in what looked like a one sided contest that had attracted 8 candidates in the National assembly post.

His close competitor of the United Democratic Alliance Ahmed Mbarak got 12,336 votes ahead of Beatrice Gambo, an independent candidate who garnered 6,533. 

Bedzimba a close ally of Mombasa governor Hassan Joho expressed his joy, thanking his supporters for granting him a victory.

"I want to pass my gratitude to my supporters for standing with me, I want to dedicate my victory to my supporters, they stood with me and I want to promise I will deliver development to them," said Bedzimba.

He thanked his supporters for maintaining peace during and after the polls. He said his focus is to return the lost glory of Kisauni constituency.

"I thank the Iebc for conducting a peaceful poll, we are satisfied with the way they conducted the elections in Kisauni, there were very few hitches," said Bedzimba.

 Meanwhile former Kinango Mp and assistant minister Gonzi Rai has recaptured his seat.

Rai who served as the area Mp for 20 years before losing in the 2017 election trounced his main rival and incumbent Benjamin tayari with 16,331 votes.

Tayari who vied on an UDA ticket garnered 13,025 votes followed by the current Kwale county Women representative Zulekha Hassan who got 9,964 votes.

In a statement, Hassan disputed the results.

"The results do not reflect the voices of our people, we will continue to fight for our rights." said Hassan.

Rashid Bedzimba is now the Kisauni Mp elect after garnering 34,747 votes in the just concluded August 9 polls.

Former Mombasa county government Tourism Chief officer Innocent Mugabe has clinched the Likuyani Parliamentary seat.

Mugabe trounced his main rival and the incumbent Dr. Enoch Kibunguchi in the hotly contested election.

Mugabe who vied on an ODM ticket garnered 17,543 with Kibunguchi garnering 13382 votes.

"With so much humility, I wish to sincerely thank the people of Likuyani Constituency for the huge responsibility they have bestowed on me to be their next Member of Parliament. This is a win for all of us." said Mugabe

Mugabe who was also a lecturer at the Technical university of Mombasa was initially the running mate for ODM Kakamega governor candidate Fernandes Barasa but later stepped down for Lugari Mp Ayub Savula.