Drake has beaten David Bowie, Coldplay and Adele to be crowned the IFPI Global Recording Artist of 2016.

Drake

Drake

The 'One Dance' hitmaker rocketed to the top of the list of the most popular 10 chart toppers in the last year and fought off stiff competition from the late music icon - who died in January 2016 weeks after the release of his final studio album, 'Blackstar' - the award-winning British band and the 'Hello' hitmaker.

Justin Bieber, Twenty One Pilots, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Prince and The Weeknd completed the top 10 and the music body praised Drake for his "unique sound" and explained it was the secret to his success.

IFPI chief executive Frances Moore said in a statement: "I'm delighted to be able to honour Drake as the IFPI Global Recording Artist 2016.

"Drake's phenomenal success reflects how deeply his unique sound appeals to an enormous global audience. The Global Top 10 list features a number of amazing artists, and the variety and vibrancy of their art speaks volumes about the exciting state of music today."

The Canadian hip-hop star - who is dating fellow singer Jennifer Lopez - has enjoyed a bumper year and is currently on the European leg of his 'Boy Meets World' tour.

He's just the fourth recipient of the prize following One Direction, Taylor Swift and last year's winner, Adele.

IFPI's Top 10 Global Recording Artists of 2016:

1. Drake

2. David Bowie

3. Coldplay

4. Adele

5. Justin Bieber

6. Twenty One Pilots

7. Beyoncé

8. Rihanna

9. Prince

10. The Weeknd

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